Football

Cooper Kupp 'guided by His Spirit' as he signs contract extension with L.A. Rams

By Kevin Mercer Jun 9, 2022
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp amassed one of the most impressive statistical seasons for any receiver in NFL history last season, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl LVI. On Wednesday, the 28-year-old was rewarded by the team with a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $80 million.

Sources said the contract includes $75 million guaranteed, which is the highest amount of guaranteed money ever given to an NFL wide receiver. Kupp is now under contract for the next five seasons.

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On Twitter late Wednesday night, Kupp posted a thank-you to his family, teammates, coaches and all others who helped him realize his childhood dream of playing in the NFL. He also took the opportunity to praise his Heavenly Father.

“God is good. On the mountains and in the valleys, He has been with us every step of the way,” Kupp’s post said in part. “While we have been afforded the privilege to play such an amazing game, it is with humility we know each moment here is intentional, albeit temporary.

“We pray each day to be a light in this world, filled and guided by His spirit, and to make the most of every day according to His will. For His Glory!”

Kupp won the receiving triple crown with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns during his incredible 2021-22 regular season, leading the league in each of those categories. He’s only the fourth player since 1970 to accomplish this feat, joining Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992) and Steve Smith (2005).

In fact, Kupp was only four receptions and 17 yards shy of the all-time single-season record for those statistics, although the NFL season is now one game longer (17) than when the records were set.

Kupp’s statistical dominance was accompanied by team success as well. The Rams went 12-5 in the regular season and won the NFC West to secure their spot in the playoffs. Once there, they defeated the Arizona Cardinals (34-11), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30-27) and San Francisco 49ers (20-17) to reach Super Bowl LVI.

In the days leading up to the big game, Sports Spectrum asked Kupp about his faith in Christ, which he has been vocal about since he entered the league out of Eastern Washington as a third-round draft pick in 2017.

“You will find that you are most fulfilled — you’ll find the most joy — when you are rooted in your purpose, and specifically rooted in His purpose for you,” Kupp said, continuing, “My motivation coming in to every single day is to run the race in such a way as to honor God with the passions and the talents that He’s given me. When I’m rooted in that, I’m in a great place.”

Kupp continued his spectacular performances against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl. He grabbed eight passes for 92 yards and scored twice, including a one-yard reception with 1:25 to play that gave the Rams a 23-20 lead they never relinquished.

Afterward, Kupp became the eighth wide receiver to be named Super Bowl MVP. He once again gave glory to God.

“I don’t know, I don’t feel deserving of this. God is just so good,” he said on the championship podium. “I’m just so thankful for the guys I get to be around, for the coaches, for my family.”

Now with his new contract extension, Kupp hopes to replicate last season’s on-field success for years to come. All the while, he will continue to seek to be a light for Christ wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

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