Wide receiver Cooper Kupp will likely be remembered by NFL fans as being a part of the Los Angeles Rams organization. He had some great years there and won a Super Bowl. But Kupp grew up as a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, and he will probably stay that way after he retires.
But besides being the player Kupp is, he is seemingly a very good person, respectful of others, and respected by others. He handles his business professionally, but he helps people along the way. And seemingly unlike Russell Wilson, Kupp is genuine in his feelings.
In Week 6, the Seahawks will play the Jacksonville Jaguars, who Liam Coen now coaches. Coen is in his first season as a head coach, but previously worked with Kupp when both were part of the Rams' organization. That included being a wide receivers coach with LA in 2018-19.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has high praise for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp
In other words, he worked directly with Cooper Kupp, and the two became well acquainted. The relationship didn't end when Coen left to coach at the University of Kentucky and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to the coach, Kupp would reach out at times just checking in.
Coen told the media ahead of the Jaguars playing Kupp's Seahawks, "He has sent me texts throughout my career...randomly all different points, just, 'thinking about you, hope you're doing great, proud of you.' ...He's the smartest football player that I've ever really worked with for an extended period of time. I've obviously worked with a lot of really good pros, but can't say enough good things about Cooper and the type of man that he is."
Obviously, Coen is being humble, too. While Kupp has a football IQ and has great talent, it also helped that the wide receiver was guided by elite coaching. Coen can provide that. He already seemingly has turned the constantly flailing Jaguars around, as Jacksonville is 4-1 and tied for the lead in the AFC South.
The Seattle Seahawks also will have a tougher go at trying to beat the Jags in Week 6. Kupp will play, as will all of Seattle's key offensive players, but defensively, the team is in a bad way. Seattle will likely not have Pro Bowlers Devon Witherspoon (knee) and Julian Love (hamstring), and Riq Woolen (concussion) will probably miss the game, too.
Edge rusher Derick Hall is also out with an oblique injury. In better news, veteran DeMarcus Lawrence is set to return.
The game could come down to Cooper Kupp making a great play, however. The Seahawks offense is going to have to be excellent against Liam Coen's team. Kupp is clearly an important part of that.