Cooper Kupp is an American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. He played college football at Eastern Washington and won the Walter Payton Award. The Rams drafted him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In 2021, Kupp became the fourth player since the AFL-NFL merger to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, earning him the Offensive Player of the Year Award. He was also the Super Bowl LVI MVP. Kupp and Jerry Rice are the only two wide receivers to achieve both of these accomplishments in a single career.
1951: Elroy Hirsch's Record
In 1951, Elroy Hirsch set the Rams' single-season receiving touchdown record with 17.
2005: Steve Smith Sr.'s Receiving Triple Crown
In 2005, Steve Smith Sr. achieved the receiving triple crown, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
2012: Calvin Johnson's Record-Setting Season
In 2012, Calvin Johnson set the NFL single-season receiving yards record with 1,964.
2017: All-Rookie Team Selection
Cooper Kupp was named to the 2017 All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers Association, highlighting his impactful first season in the NFL.
2017: Cooper Kupp's Rookie Season
In 2017, Cooper Kupp had a successful rookie season with the Rams, leading the team in red-zone targets early on and becoming a full-time starter by December. He finished the season with 62 receptions, 869 yards, and five touchdowns.
January 6, 2018: First Career Playoff Game
On January 6, 2018, Cooper Kupp played in his first career playoff game, an NFC Wild Card Game against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite catching eight passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, the Rams lost.
2018: Season-Ending ACL Injury
In 2018, Cooper Kupp had a promising start but suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 10 during a game against the Seattle Seahawks, cutting his second season short.
2018: Rams' Super Bowl Appearance
In 2018, the Rams reached Super Bowl LIII.
2019: 1,000-Yard Season and Top 100 Recognition
During the 2019 season, Cooper Kupp reached 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Both he and teammate Robert Woods achieved 1,000 receiving yards. He was ranked 89th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.
2019: Michael Thomas' Record-Breaking Receptions
In 2019, Michael Thomas set the NFL record for receptions in a single season with 149 catches.
September 12, 2020: Contract Extension and Jersey Number Change
On September 12, 2020, Cooper Kupp signed a three-year, $48 million contract extension with the Rams. He also changed his jersey number to 10, the same number he wore at Eastern Washington.
December 29, 2020: Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List
On December 29, 2020, Cooper Kupp was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, forcing him to miss Week 17 of the season.
2020: Leading Receiver for the Rams
In 2020, despite missing a game, Cooper Kupp led the Rams in receptions and receiving yards, totaling 92 receptions for 974 yards and three touchdowns.
2020: NFL Top 100 Ranking
In 2020, Cooper Kupp was recognized for his performance in the previous season by being ranked 89th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
January 6, 2021: Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List and Knee Injury
On January 6, 2021, Cooper Kupp was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and played in the Wild Card Round against the Seahawks. However, he suffered a knee injury, causing him to miss the Divisional Round game against the Packers.
2021: Record-Breaking Season and Awards
In 2021, Cooper Kupp had a historic season, setting Rams franchise records for receptions (145) and receiving yards (1,947). He also earned the receiving triple crown, the first player to do so since Steve Smith Sr. in 2005.
2021: Historic Start to the Season
In 2021, Cooper Kupp started the season with impressive performances, including 25 receptions, 367 yards, and five touchdowns over the first three games. He continued to excel despite a dip in production against the Cardinals and finished the season strong with a productive six-game stretch.
June 9, 2022: Contract Extension
On June 9, 2022, Cooper Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension with the Rams, keeping him with the team through 2026.
November 15, 2022: Ankle Injury and Placement on Injured Reserve
On November 15, 2022, Cooper Kupp was placed on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain that required surgery.
2022: Super Bowl LVI Victory and MVP
In 2022, Cooper Kupp played a crucial role in the Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory, culminating in his being named Super Bowl MVP. He also set a new NFL record for receptions in a single postseason.
2023: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players of 2023
Cooper Kupp was ranked 47th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
2026: Contract Extension Through 2026
Cooper Kupp's contract extension signed in 2022 secures his place with the Rams through the 2026 season.