Brady Henderson
RENTON, Wash. — When the Seattle Seahawks play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, it is going to mark Cooper Kupp's first time dealing with his outdated workforce because the veteran receiver was launched in March after eight seasons. Kupp has been open about how he disagreed with the Rams' determination to maneuver on from him and about how tough that have was on him and his household.
As tempting because it could be to name this a revenge sport, nothing Kupp stated Wednesday — or at his introductory information convention in March — suggests he is approaching it as such.
“It is one other soccer sport,” he stated. “You get on the market, play your sport. I like these guys. I like so lots of the guys over there. However on the finish of the day, you have to go play a soccer sport. In order that's going to be what it's. Attempt to deal with this the identical as some other sport. Go on the market and be capable of lock in and do your job one play after the following, take that play-by-play mindset. Identical as regular.”
The Seahawks and Rams are tied atop the NFC West at 7-2, so sole possession of first place within the division will likely be on the road after they sq. off for the primary time this season.
“You may't make this sport about your self,” Kupp stated. “It simply does not work that means. It is simply an excessive amount of of a workforce sport. There's too many guys on the sector doing too many issues, working at such a excessive degree. It is nearly controlling what you'll be able to management, being a constructive a part of no matter's referred to as and executing at a excessive degree and coming again and doing it over and over. It will simply be a disgrace to say I would like this sport greater than some other sport. That is doing a disservice to the blokes that sit on this room with me, that I'd maintain again something from them [for] my very own ambitions or desires.”
Rams coach Sean McVay struck an analogous notice earlier this week whereas calling Kupp a “particular human” who “elevated lots of people on this constructing.”
“I believe that is concerning the Rams versus the Seahawks, however you do not deny and you are not naive to what this man has meant to the franchise,” McVay stated. “His rookie yr coincides with the primary yr that I used to be lucky sufficient to get right here. There are plenty of contact factors. There's plenty of love. I believe you undoubtedly acknowledge that, however on the finish of the day, you continue to do have a job and a duty to the collective.”
Kupp went from a third-round decide in 2017 out of FCS Japanese Washington to a focus of McVay's offense. He accomplished the receiving triple crown in 2021 with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns earlier than serving to the Rams win Tremendous Bowl LVI. Kupp caught the profitable landing and was named the sport's MVP.
However accidents restricted Kupp to 33 video games over the following three seasons, a big issue within the Rams' determination to half methods. They knowledgeable him of their intention to commerce him in February, then launched him in March after no commerce materialized.
“I am clearly so grateful for my time there,” he stated. “Unimaginable expertise. Constructed a lot with simply the followers, with the blokes I used to be capable of play with. Nothing however love for that metropolis. However like I stated, you have received to have the ability to lock in for the sport and what's forward of you. So I believe it's going to be enjoyable. I am excited to go on the market. It is a actual good soccer workforce, an actual good soccer workforce and presents some nice challenges for us. Excited to go on the market and compete.”
The Seahawks signed Kupp to a three-year, $45 million deal as a part of the overhaul of their receiver corps, which included Tyler Lockett's launch and the commerce of DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh. As their No. 2 receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kupp has 26 catches on 35 makes an attempt for 367 yards and a landing in eight video games. He missed Seattle's win over the Washington Commanders in Week 9 with a hamstring damage, then returned final week in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals, catching two passes for 74 yards because the Seahawks gained their fourth straight sport.
“I am glad that I used to be capable of be part of it final week, however feeling good,” he stated. “Excited to go this week.”
After signing with the Seahawks, Kupp stated in March that he hadn't gotten a lot readability on why the Rams moved on. He received that readability over the summer season, and from the sound of it, he received closure as effectively.
“I used to be capable of have some conversations in personal with folks within the group to attempt to get to that time,” he stated. “It was necessary. It was necessary sufficient for me to achieve out and attempt to get that. I am glad to be in that place. I am wanting ahead to having the ability to see some folks pregame, give them a hug, after which when it is time to go, it is time to go.”
ESPN's Sarah Barshop contributed to this report.
