Veteran WR Cooper Kupp leads Seahawks ahead of Super Bowl

Four-time All-Pro receiver embraces secondary role, mentors younger teammates

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:26am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, with sharp geometric planes in navy, green, and silver colors, conceptually representing the multifaceted contributions of veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp to the Seahawks' Super Bowl team.Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp's unselfish leadership and mentorship have been crucial to the Seahawks' Super Bowl run.San Jose Today

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is back in the Super Bowl for the third time in his career, this time with the Seattle Seahawks after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Despite not matching his historic 2021 season, Kupp has endeared himself to his new teammates through his selflessness, leadership, and relentless preparation.

Why it matters

Kupp's ability to adapt to a secondary receiving role and mentor younger players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been crucial for the Seahawks as they make a Super Bowl run. His veteran presence and team-first attitude set an example for the entire locker room.

The details

At 32 years old, Kupp is the sixth player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl MVP and then play in the Super Bowl with another team. While he didn't match his triple crown season in 2021, Kupp has embraced being 'wide receiver No. 2' behind Smith-Njigba, impressing teammates with his unselfishness. Kupp has also stood out for his exceptional run-blocking and football IQ, which he uses to mentor younger players like Rashid Shaheed.

  • Kupp won Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl 56 with the Rams.
  • Kupp joined the Seahawks in 2025 after being released by the Rams.

The players

Cooper Kupp

A 32-year-old wide receiver who is playing in his third Super Bowl, having won MVP in Super Bowl 56 with the Los Angeles Rams. He is now in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks' leading wide receiver this season, who has leaned on Kupp's veteran leadership and mentorship.

Dareke Young

A Seahawks wide receiver who has been impressed by Kupp's selflessness and team-first attitude despite his past individual success.

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' starting quarterback, who has praised Kupp's impactful presence in the locker room and on the field.

Rashid Shaheed

A young Seahawks wide receiver who has looked to emulate Kupp's success and football IQ.

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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

“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

What’s next

Kupp will look to win his second Super Bowl championship when the Seahawks face the New England Patriots on Sunday.

The takeaway

Despite not matching his historic 2021 season, Cooper Kupp has proven to be an invaluable veteran leader for the Seahawks, mentoring younger players and embracing a secondary role to help the team reach the Super Bowl. His team-first attitude and relentless preparation have set an example for the entire locker room.