Career Timeline of Cooper Kupp: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Cooper Kupp, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cooper Kupp is a professional American football wide receiver renowned for his exceptional skills and achievements in the NFL. He gained prominence playing college football for Eastern Washington, where he won the prestigious Walter Payton Award. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, Kupp experienced a remarkable breakout season in 2021. He achieved the rare feat of leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, a milestone only a few players have accomplished since the AFL-NFL merger. His outstanding performance earned him the Offensive Player of the Year Award and the Super Bowl LVI MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Joins Eastern Washington University

In 2012, Cooper Kupp joined Eastern Washington University's football team and redshirted, later being named the team's Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year.

November 26, 2013: All-Big Sky Conference Honors

On November 26, 2013, Cooper Kupp was named to the All-Big Sky Conference First-team and received the conference's first-ever Freshman of the Year Award.

December 16, 2013: Jerry Rice Award Recipient

On December 16, 2013, Cooper Kupp received the 2013 Jerry Rice Award, an honor given to the top freshman player in the FCS. He is the first player from Eastern Washington and the Big Sky Conference to receive the award.

2013: Record-Setting Freshman Year

In 2013, Cooper Kupp had a record-setting redshirt freshman year as a starter at wide receiver. He established numerous single-season school and national receiving records at the Football Championship Subdivision Level, setting national freshman records for receiving yards (1,691), total touchdown catches (21), consecutive games with a touchdown catch (14), and receptions (93).

2014: Sophomore Season Accomplishments

In 2014, during his sophomore season, Cooper Kupp had 104 catches for 1,431 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games. He was named a First-team All-American by the AFCA, AP, and TSN for the second consecutive season. He also earned first-team All-Big Sky honors as a wide receiver and third-team honors as a punt returner, finishing 18th in the Walter Payton Award voting.

November 30, 2015: Kupp Announces Return for Senior Season

On November 30, 2015, Cooper Kupp announced his decision to return for his senior season, foregoing the 2016 NFL draft.

2015: Record Breaking Season

In the 2015 season, Cooper Kupp had 114 catches for 1,642 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games, breaking the Big Sky single-season record for catches. He was named a first-team All-Big Sky wide receiver and the league's Offensive Most Valuable Player. Kupp also won the Walter Payton Award.

2016: Record-Setting Senior Season

In the 2016 season, Cooper Kupp finished with 117 receptions for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. He set FCS records for receptions (428) and receiving yards (6,464) and receiving touchdowns (73).

March 28, 2017: Pro Day Participation

On March 28, 2017, Cooper Kupp participated in Eastern Washington's pro day, performing drills for scouts. He was projected to be a second or third-round pick in the NFL draft.

June 9, 2017: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams

On June 9, 2017, Cooper Kupp signed a four-year, $3.83 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, including a signing bonus of $954,760.

2017: Rookie Season

During his rookie season in 2017, Cooper Kupp became a full-time starter, finishing with 62 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games.

2017: Senior Bowl Performance

In 2017, Cooper Kupp participated in the Senior Bowl, making two receptions for 14 yards. His performance improved his draft stock.

2017: Kupp Drafted by Los Angeles Rams

In 2017, Cooper Kupp was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the NFL draft, marking the start of his professional career.

January 6, 2018: First Playoff Game

On January 6, 2018, Cooper Kupp appeared in his first career playoff game, recording eight receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

2018: Injury-Shortened Season

In 2018, Cooper Kupp was named a starting wide receiver. During a game against the Denver Broncos, he sustained a knee injury. He later tore his ACL, prematurely ending his season.

2019: Successful 2019 Season

Cooper Kupp had a successful 2019 season with 94 receptions for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Kupp's ten receiving touchdowns tied with Mark Andrews for the second most in the NFL in 2019.

September 12, 2020: Contract Extension

On September 12, 2020, Cooper Kupp signed a three-year, $48 million contract extension with the Rams, including $35.1 million guaranteed.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

In the 2020 season, Cooper Kupp finished with 92 receptions for 974 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards.

January 6, 2021: Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List

On January 6, 2021, Cooper Kupp was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

2021: Outstanding 2021 Season

Cooper Kupp had an outstanding 2021 season. Over the season's first three games, Kupp totaled 25 receptions for 367 yards and five touchdowns. He was held to season lows in receptions (five) and yardage (64) in the Rams' 37–20 loss to the visiting Cardinals, but he bounced back with seven receptions for 92 yards in a 26–17 road victory over the Seahawks.

2021: Breakout Season

In 2021, Cooper Kupp had a breakout season, becoming the fourth player since the AFL-NFL Merger to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He also received the Offensive Player of the Year Award and was the MVP of Super Bowl LVI.

June 9, 2022: Signed a three-year contract extension with the Rams

On June 9, 2022, Cooper Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension to remain with the Rams through 2026. The contract included a $20 million signing bonus and $75 million guaranteed, securing his place with the team.

2024: Finished 2024 season

Cooper Kupp finished the 2024 season with 67 receptions for 710 yards and six receiving touchdowns.

February 3, 2025: Informed he was not in Rams' future plans

On February 3, 2025, Cooper Kupp was informed by the Rams' front office that he was not in their future plans and that they intended to trade him in the 2025 offseason.