Cooper Kupp Prepares to Face Former Rams Team in Crucial NFC West Clash

When the Seattle Seahawks take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, it will mark Cooper Kupp’s first game against the franchise that drafted and developed him. Kupp spent eight seasons in Los Angeles, helping the team win Super Bowl LVI and earning multiple personal accolades, but was released in March after injuries limited his availability.

Despite the emotional significance, Kupp has repeatedly stated he is not approaching the matchup as a “revenge game.” Instead, he is concentrating on his responsibilities with the Seahawks and the team’s goal of competing for first place in the NFC West. Seattle and Los Angeles enter the contest tied at 7-2, making the game critical for division supremacy.

Kupp, now Seattle’s No. 2 receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, has adjusted to a new environment after signing a three-year, $45 million deal. He is coming off a recent win against the Arizona Cardinals after missing a game with a hamstring injury.

While Kupp openly discussed his disappointment at being released by the Rams, he has emphasized closure, personal growth, and respect for his former teammates, making it clear that his focus remains on execution and teamwork.

1. Kupp Stresses Team Over Personal Motivation

Kupp consistently rejects the notion that personal emotions will dictate his performance against the Rams. “You can’t make this game about yourself,” he said, highlighting the team-centric mindset required to succeed in the NFL. He described his approach as taking the game “play by play,” focusing on what he can control and contributing positively to the team’s efforts. Kupp underscored the importance of maintaining perspective, acknowledging his former teammates while committing fully to his new role. The receiver also pointed out that framing the matchup as a personal vendetta would do a disservice to his current teammates, who rely on him for consistent execution. His comments reflect a broader understanding of football as a collective effort rather than an individual contest. This mentality aligns with his statements at the Seahawks’ introductory news conference in March, reinforcing that Kupp’s primary goal is team success rather than personal satisfaction.

2. Rams Reflect on Kupp’s Impact

Rams coach Sean McVay praised Kupp as “a special human” who had a transformative impact on the organization. McVay acknowledged Kupp’s contributions over the years, from his rookie season in 2017 through his Super Bowl-winning campaign, noting the mutual respect between the player and the franchise. McVay emphasized that while Kupp’s legacy is undeniable, the focus for the Rams remains on preparing as a team. “You still do have a job and a responsibility to the collective,” McVay said, underscoring the professional mindset that guides both sides ahead of the game. Kupp’s career highlights with the Rams include completing the receiving triple crown in 2021 with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, followed by a Super Bowl MVP performance. These achievements make Sunday’s matchup especially notable, both as a personal milestone and a high-stakes divisional contest. Even as both sides acknowledge Kupp’s historic contributions, the focus remains on the present-day competition and team objectives rather than past grievances or narratives of revenge.

3. Adjusting to Seattle and Looking Ahead

Since joining the Seahawks, Kupp has quickly integrated into Seattle’s offense, tallying 26 receptions for 367 yards and a touchdown over eight games. He missed Week 9 due to a hamstring injury but returned the following week, contributing to the team’s fourth consecutive win. Kupp also addressed lingering questions about his release, noting that conversations with the Rams over the summer helped provide clarity and closure. He expressed gratitude for his time in Los Angeles and respect for the fans and players he left behind. Looking ahead to Sunday, Kupp anticipates a competitive matchup against a familiar opponent but maintains that his preparation and mindset will prioritize his new team’s success. He expects to see former teammates pregame, sharing brief moments of camaraderie before focusing on the contest itself. His approach underscores a balance between honoring the past and committing fully to the present, reflecting both professionalism and personal growth.