RENTON, Wash. — Learn and react. That isn’t simply what Cooper Kupp does on the soccer area, adjusting his go path to get open. It’s what he does in his free time, too, tearing via shut to 2 dozen books throughout the NFL season.
The Seattle Seahawks receiver, as soon as a star with the Rams, is an enthusiastic reader of each nonfiction and fiction, and buys additional copies of a few of his favorites — “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “When Breath Turns into Air” — handy out to mates.
Simply as when he’s poring over the playbook, the bearded bookworm reads with pen in hand or prepared to notice one thing on his cellphone.
“If I haven’t underlined something within the first day or two, it’s arduous to maintain going,” mentioned Kupp, 32, at the moment studying “Coronary heart and Metal” by former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Invoice Cowher. “I mark pages, spotlight, screenshot.
“If I’m not studying one thing, a e-book higher transport me.”
Kupp was transported final offseason, and never by his selecting. The Rams launched him to make room for receiver Davante Adams, parting methods with one in all their hottest gamers, an architect of rebuilding a fan base in Los Angeles, and Most Precious Participant of their Tremendous Bowl win within the 2021 season.
1. Rams broad receiver Cooper Kupp holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the workforce’s Tremendous Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13, 2022. 2. Kupp and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford have a good time after successful Tremendous Bowl LVI. 3. Kupp will get a hug from Rams defensive deal with Aaron Donald after the workforce’s victory in Tremendous Bowl LVI. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Occasions)
The reunion occurs Sunday when the 7-2 Rams play host to the 7-2 Seahawks in an NFC West showdown, Kupp’s first return to SoFi Stadium after spending the primary eight seasons of his professional profession in Southern California.
“It’ll be combined feelings,” Kupp advised The Occasions after apply final week. “I’ve a lot gratitude for the individuals there. However I’m taking place there to play a sport. I’ve spent numerous hours making ready to beat that workforce.”
There was a time when Kupp was a focus of the Rams offense, however he ultimately receded a bit into the background as Puka Nacua started to ascend. By the tip of his run there, Kupp was a seasoned elder statesman, nonetheless contributing but additionally serving to youthful gamers fine-tune their sport.
He has continued that position with the Seahawks, a comparatively younger workforce. By all accounts, Kupp has performed a crucial position within the growth of third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the primary participant to achieve 1,000 yards receiving this season.
Kupp is the workforce’s second-leading receiver, with 26 catches for 367 yards and a landing. He’s had ups and downs, lacking a sport due to accidents to his hamstring and heel, throwing an interception on a failed flea-flicker, and tearing off a 67-yard achieve in a catch and carry in final Sunday’s 44-22 thrashing of the Cardinals.
Seahawks broad receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Sam Darnold speak earlier than a sport towards the Houston Texans on Oct. 20.
(Steph Chambers / Getty Photos)
“[Kupp] is unbelievable, not simply as a participant however as an individual,” Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold mentioned. “He’s among the finest dudes I’ve ever been round. He’s within the quarterback room on a regular basis, and I’m studying a lot from him. Truthfully, I’m studying far more from him than he’s from me.”
This hasn’t been a straightforward transition for Kupp, although he returned to his house state. He was raised in Yakima, Wash., a two-hour drive from Seattle, and performed collegiately at Japanese Washington. Anna and Cooper Kupp have three younger sons.
“That is the place I grew up, my spouse’s house, however it’s not the place our house was,” Kupp mentioned. “We constructed one thing cool in L.A., raised our boys there. That was house. We’ll all the time wish to be in L.A. in some capability. We’re making house right here now, however it’s seven months versus 8½ years there.
“Our boys grew up in California, barefoot outdoors at breakfast. It’ll be a brand new journey to see how they adapt to fall and winter right here.”
Kupp is having fun with taking extra of a management position with the Seahawks.
“Right here, there are youthful guys getting vital reps,” he mentioned. “I might be extra of a voice, sharing processes, issues which have helped me. The coaches have been nice. My purpose is to be a multiplier, to raise individuals up, to get us all on the identical web page at a excessive stage.”
Seahawks broad receiver Cooper Kupp spends a second with one in all his sons earlier than a sport towards the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 7.
(Amanda Loman / Getty Photos)
In his later seasons with the Rams, he let his beard go wild. It spilled over and properly under his chinstrap. Now, he wears it neatly trimmed, however has embraced the Seattle look of untucked flannel shirts and denims.
Is he pleased?
“Blissful?” he mentioned, pondering the phrase. “I like the problem. I’m excited to return to work. However I don’t dwell asking, ‘Am I pleased?’ We take into consideration ourselves an excessive amount of. Whenever you cease residing for your self and begin pouring into others — household, teammates, mates — you discover extra success.
“I need individuals excited once I stroll right into a room as a result of they know I’ll be there for them.”
That’s a philosophy Craig and Karin Kupp emphasised with their 4 youngsters: you wish to dwell in a room of home windows not mirrors.
“Within the mirror room, you’re trying inward, solely seeing your self,” mentioned Ketner Kupp, Cooper’s youthful brother and now defensive coordinator at Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, Wash.
“Within the window room, you may’t actually see your self. You’re searching, seeing others and being selfless. That’s how we attempt to dwell.”
Seahawks broad receiver Cooper Kupp warms up earlier than a sport towards the Houston Texans on Oct. 20.
(Steph Chambers / Getty Photos)
Not surprisingly, Kupp’s dad and mom and siblings love having him close by.
“It’s been tremendous enjoyable,” mentioned Ketner, who drafted his brother in two completely different fantasy leagues. “I’ve by no means actually rooted for one workforce earlier than, even being from Washington, however this has been superior. There’s a lot vitality across the Seahawks right here, and it’s enjoyable to be part of that.”
His older brother, lover of books, has efficiently turned the web page.
