Cooper Kupp diverts spotlight away from himself on his 1st return to SoFi

From the moment that the Los Angeles Rams informed Cooper Kupp that he was no longer in their plans for the 2025 NFL season, the player and fans were stunned. While the initial whispers indicated a trade was cooking, no NFL team was willing to give up any value for a part-time veteran wide receiver. But the trade rumors made it clear, LA's offense was about to undergo significant upheaval.

Of course, with Kupp returning to SoFi Stadium to face his former team, narratives skew towards this being a grudge match for the All-Pro receiver. But he has done a remarkable job at deflecting talk of revenge or payback. Kupp is one of several former Rams players who will suit up for Week 11. But unlike inside linebacker Ernest Jones, he is doing his best not to stir the pot.

Kupp was the ideal player in head coach Sean McVay's offense. He was able to fill the role of wide receiver, as well as absorb many responsibilities typically reserved for tight ends. When the team traded for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, Kupp was a one-man welcoming committee. Their work in the film room was productive.

Their work on the football field was record-setting.

Cooper Kupp does his best to explain the game is not about him

But after that 2021 season, Kupp's lack of durability became an ever larger impediment. Finally, the team decided to part ways, and Kupp was ultimately released. Those durability issues are still present this season.

"It’s another football game, you know,” Cooper Kupp stated at the podium. “Get out there, play your game. I mean, love these guys, love so many of the guys over there, but at the end of the day, gotta go play a football game. So that’s going to be what it is, (I must) try to treat this as any other game."

"Obviously, so (I am) thankful for my time there. (It was an) Incredible experience. Built so much with just the fans and the guys I played with, and just great experiences. Nothing but love for that city. But like I said, gotta be able to lock into the game and what’s ahead of you. It’ll be fun. I’m excited to go out there.”

And so, the stage is set, and fans must accept that All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp is playing for the opposition, a fact that still feels surreal. But that is the reality that the team and fans must accept. To be better in the future, this team must overcome its past.

It all comes to a head in Week 11. Have the Los Angeles Rams grown since parting ways with Cooper Kupp? We are all about to find out. As always, thanks for reading.