Cooper Kupp Silences Doubters with Super Bowl 2026 Triumph

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver proves resilience and leadership on the biggest stage after being discarded by the Los Angeles Rams.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Cooper Kupp, the former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, overcame adversity after being released by the team last year. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks and led them to a Super Bowl 2026 victory, cementing his legacy as a force multiplier who elevated the entire roster through his mentorship and team-first approach.

Why it matters

Kupp's journey from being discarded by the Rams to leading the Seahawks to a championship serves as a powerful example of how character and intangible leadership qualities can shape a team's success. His story may inspire other players facing setbacks, showing that a career's trajectory can shift dramatically through determination and the right environment.

The details

After being informed by the Rams that he was no longer in their plans, Kupp returned to his hometown of Seattle, where the Seahawks recognized him as a 'force multiplier' whose impact transcended physical attributes. Throughout the season, Kupp mentored emerging talents, built trust with teammates, and organized team gatherings, creating a strong culture that was essential for the Seahawks' playoff run. In the NFC Championship game, Kupp faced his former Rams team and sealed the Seahawks' spot in the Super Bowl. On Super Bowl Sunday, Kupp led all receivers with six catches for 61 yards, proving pivotal in the Seahawks' championship win over the Patriots.

  • In March 2025, the Los Angeles Rams informed Kupp that he was no longer in their plans.
  • Throughout the 2025 NFL season, Kupp mentored teammates and built team chemistry in Seattle.
  • In the NFC Championship game, Kupp faced his former Rams team and sealed the Seahawks' Super Bowl berth.
  • On Super Bowl Sunday 2026, Kupp led all receivers in the Seahawks' championship win over the Patriots.

The players

Cooper Kupp

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who overcame being discarded by the Los Angeles Rams to lead his new team to a Super Bowl 2026 victory.

Anna Marie

Cooper Kupp's wife, who described her husband as being 'disrespected' by the Rams' decision to release him.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who described Kupp as a 'force multiplier' whose impact transcended physical attributes.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, with whom Kupp built trust and chemistry during the 2025 season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who Kupp mentored, helping him reach Offensive Player of the Year status.

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What they’re saying

“Discarded is the word his camp used. Disrespected was the word his wife, Anna Marie, didn't dance around.”

— Anna Marie, Cooper Kupp's wife

“Mike Macdonald had a name for what he was acquiring: a force multiplier. Not speed. Not age. Gravity.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach

“You misjudged me.”

— Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver

What’s next

Kupp's story may inspire other players facing setbacks, highlighting that a career's trajectory can shift dramatically through determination and the right environment.

The takeaway

Cooper Kupp's 2026 Super Bowl triumph is more than a personal achievement; it is a statement that sometimes the most impactful victories come when doubters are silenced, and character and leadership qualities can shape a championship team.