For LA Rams WR Cooper Kupp, the real work has just begun

Kupp wants to pay it forward

Cooper Kupp has played for the team for five NFL seasons, but over that time, he has played in just two of six post-season contests. He played in 2017 when the LA Rams were denied in round one by the Atlanta Falcons. He also played in 2020 when the LA Rams won on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

But the season that truly mattered, the 2018 Super Bowl run, found him sitting on the sidelines, rehabbing a knee after a season-ending ACL injury. Neither he nor LA Rams fans have forgotten his absence, a playoff run where the team got as much as possible out of running back C.J. Anderson, wide receiver Robert Woods, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. It was a season where the LA Rams put up an incredible offensive display until the big game.

In absentia

In a game that the Rams needed more offensive weapons, Cooper Kupp was unable to answer the bell. Fans have not forgotten, and neither has he.

In 2020, the LA Rams star receiver had another opportunity to make amends. The Rams were on their way to Green Bay to face the Packers in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. But, once more, Kupp’s knee betrayed him. The gutsy offense put up a battle, but they were outgunned in this one. The offense was carried by rookie running back Cam Akers 90 yard one touchdown rushing performance, and by rookie wide receiver Van Jeffersons six catches 46 yards, and one touchdown performance.

But Kupp did not play on that day. The LA Rams did not win on that day. Fans began to grow restless. Where was Kupp? When would he carry this team to the promised land?