The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up to face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp is being hailed by teammates for his exemplary leadership and selflessness. While Kupp has not replicated his remarkable 2021 season, his influence on the team is especially notable among younger players such as Dareke Young and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
During a recent practice, Kupp was seen supporting quarterback Sam Darnold while donning a T-shirt that showcased his commitment. Four years after his most productive season, he is set to become the sixth player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl MVP and compete in the Super Bowl with a different team. Despite not earning the AP Offensive Player of the Year award or the receiving triple crown in 2025, Kupp has forged strong bonds with teammates, particularly rookie Dareke Young.
Young expressed admiration for Kupp”s willingness to take on a secondary role, stating, “He won a Triple Crown, and then he comes and he”s wide receiver No. 2. Some receivers might not like that. But you can”t tell if it upsets him or not. That”s just a guy that you aspire to be like, that”s just team first.” Kupp”s ability to embrace this role has stood out, demonstrating his commitment to the team”s success.
His leadership extends beyond just play; Kupp leads by example, especially in preparation for the Super Bowl. According to Darnold, when Kupp speaks, “the entire room is dead silent, and they”re super focused on what he”s saying because we know that he doesn”t waste his breath.” Darnold emphasized that Kupp has significantly impacted both players and coaches within the organization.
What has particularly defined Kupp”s first year in Seattle is his run-blocking. Despite his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame, he has set an example for receivers on the perimeter. Young noted, “Coop isn”t a guy that lifts the whole weight room. So, his technique is just always perfect, or has to be perfect when dealing with bigger guys so he doesn”t get thrown around.” This skill is especially valued considering Kupp”s injury struggles during his last three seasons with the Rams, which led to his release.
In his year with the Seahawks, Kupp”s practice repetitions were limited to ensure he could endure a full season, and he participated in 16 out of 17 games, finishing with the second-most receiving yards on the team at 593. His dedication is not just inspiring for teammates like Rashid Shaheed, who admired him during his college career as a four-time FCS All-America wide receiver, but also provides a pathway to achieving similar success.
Shaheed remarked, “Being his teammate, I see how he”s had so much success throughout his whole career. Man, he”s so smart. I try to take bits and pieces from not only practice film, but from what he says in the meeting room. It”s like having another coach on the field.” Kupp remains committed to his career, dismissing retirement questions and demonstrating a strong football IQ that offensive lineman Grey Zabel believes will keep him playing for many more years.
As the Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl, Kupp, although not the primary star as he was in 2022, has the experience to guide younger players like Smith-Njigba. He advises them to remain composed during the “Super Bowl storm” and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. “He”s always preached process over results, so just sticking to the process and making sure I nail it down and I get up Sunday ready to go,” Smith-Njigba shared.
As Kupp leads the Seahawks into this championship battle, his unselfishness and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in the team”s performance on the grand stage.
