Cooper Kupp leads Seahawks with example ahead of Super Bowl

Veteran wide receiver embraces secondary role, mentors younger teammates

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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As the Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl, veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp has stood out for his selfless leadership and mentorship of younger players like Dareke Young and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Despite not putting up the same gaudy stats as his 2021 season, Kupp has embraced a secondary role and focused on perfecting his run-blocking technique to help the team. His teammates praise his team-first attitude and ability to provide valuable insights, with quarterback Sam Darnold noting that the entire room listens intently whenever Kupp speaks up.

Why it matters

Kupp's example of putting the team first and focusing on the process rather than results is an inspiration to his younger teammates as they navigate the pressure of the Super Bowl. His willingness to take on a supporting role after a historic individual season shows his maturity and leadership, which could be crucial for the Seahawks as they try to win their second championship.

The details

In his first season with the Seahawks after eight years with the Rams, the 32-year-old Kupp has embraced a secondary role behind leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Despite not winning the Offensive Player of the Year award or the receiving triple crown like he did in 2021, Kupp has made a major impact through his selfless play and mentorship of younger players. Teammates have been most impressed by Kupp's willingness to put his body on the line as a run blocker, using his technique to make up for his smaller 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame. Kupp's football IQ and ability to provide valuable insights have also made him an invaluable resource for the team.

  • Kupp will become the sixth player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl MVP, and then play in the Super Bowl with another team when he and the Seahawks square off with the New England Patriots on Sunday (February 12, 2026).
  • Kupp's practice repetitions were limited this season to help him get through a full season, which he nearly did while playing 16 out of 17 games.

The players

Cooper Kupp

A 32-year-old veteran wide receiver who is in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks after eight exemplary years with the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp is known for his selfless leadership, mentorship of younger players, and exceptional run-blocking technique.

Sam Darnold

The starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who has praised Kupp's ability to provide valuable insights that the entire team listens to intently.

Dareke Young

A Seahawks wide receiver who has been most impressed by Kupp's unselfishness in accepting a secondary role behind the team's leading receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks' leading wide receiver, who has praised Kupp's willingness to put his body on the line as a run blocker.

Rashid Shaheed

A Seahawks wide receiver who used to watch highlights of Kupp while he was a four-time FCS All-America wide receiver at Eastern Washington, and now tries to emulate Kupp's success.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Dareke Young, Seahawks wide receiver

“If he does say things, he's one of those guys where 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. He's always going to be able to say something very mindful, and for us, speaking for the players, but also the coaches, he's had a huge impact on all of us in that building.”

— Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback

“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.”

— Dareke Young, Seahawks wide receiver

“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. He's an amazing guy.”

— Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks wide receiver

“He just tells me to be myself and just control the storm, the Super Bowl storm and make sure you're ready. 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.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks wide receiver

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Cooper Kupp's selfless leadership and mentorship of younger players on the Seahawks has been crucial in their Super Bowl run, showing that veteran experience and a team-first attitude can be just as valuable as individual stats. His example of focusing on the process rather than results is an inspiration to his teammates as they navigate the pressure of the big game.