Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are putting in work together again this offseason. The two NFL stars are back on the field for their famous high intensity workouts. This training partnership continues even though they now play for different teams in the same division. Their bond shows that some friendships in professional sports are stronger than team rivalries.
The story of their partnership began when Nacua was a rookie with the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp was the veteran leader who took the young player under his wing. Nacua often speaks about how difficult it was to survive those early sessions.
He famouslysaid, “The first week I was training with him, I was throwing up every day.” Those morning workouts started at 6 a.m. and pushed both players to their physical limits.
Scary: Rams star WR Puka Nacua and Seahawks veteran WR Cooper Kupp are training together this offseason.
Greatness recognizes greatness 🤝 pic.twitter.com/W06Z5orW40
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 27, 2026
Last year, the NFL world was surprised when Kupp joined the Seattle Seahawks. Many fans thought the move might end their training sessions. However, the two receivers decided to keep their tradition alive for the 2026 offseason. They believe that working together makes them both better. Kupp provides the experience and technical knowledge while Nacua brings youthful energy and speed.
Nacua has quickly become one of the best receivers in the league. Last season, he recorded 129 catches and over 1,700 yards. He credits much of this success to the lessons he learned from Kupp.
“I wasn’t having my best practice, but he came over to me, took me to the side, and was just like, ‘Hey Puk, we know what you’re capable of,” Nacuasaid in a recent interview. He noted that Kupp taught him how to study film and run routes with perfect timing.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Puka Nacua says Cooper Kupp has been a “huge mentor” to him and that Kupp helped Nacua believe he belongs in the #NFL when Nacua would have doubts, he told @ProFootballTalk
Nacua said when he was having a bad practice, Kupp would reassure him that he’s a great… pic.twitter.com/LnK1jXu9wj
— JPA (@jasrifootball) October 2, 2023
Kupp remains a high level player for Seattle. The Seahawks recently confirmed he will return for the 2026 season. Even at this stage of his career, he finds value in training with a younger star. He likes the challenge of keeping up with a player who is currently at the top of the stat sheets.
Fans of the Rams and Seahawks might find it strange to see their stars helping each other. In the fall, they will compete for a playoff spot. For now, they are just two friends trying to improve their craft.
Their story is a clean example of how mentorship can turn into a lasting professional partnership. They prove that you can be fierce competitors on Sundays but great teammates during the summer.
Puka nacua
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) looks on before the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Puka Nacua discusses Rams’ Super Bowl path after Seahawks defeat
Puka Nacua recently shared how the Rams can return to the Super Bowl. The team lost 31-27 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. This loss was very painful for the players. Nacua believes the team must improve on third- and fourth-down conversions. He said receivers need to be ready to “sprint onto the field” and make plays during these moments.
The receiver also mentioned that small mistakes like penalties hurt the team in big games. He wants to avoid dropping passes to help Matthew Stafford. Nacua praised Stafford for being “selfless” and leading the team well. He believes better execution in late game situations will lead to more wins.
During the 2025 season, Nacua played 16 games. Heled the league with 129 catches and gained 1,715 yards. He also scored 11 total touchdowns.