Cooper Kupp was officially released by the Los Angeles Rams when the new NFL league year started on Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST. Kupp, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Rams is expected to have multiple options in free agency.
Kupp, 31, had one of the more impressive seasons for a wide receiver in NFL history. In 2021, Kupp posted the triple crown of receiving, leading the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16).
Kupp's issue has been health and durability. Since playing in all 17 games during his historic season in 2021, Kupp has appeared in just 33 of a possible 51 regular season games. Being oft-injured didn't stop Kupp from mentoring young Rams players over the past few seasons. Kupp was publicly known as a team leader while also taking on the mentor role with fellow wide receiver, Puka Nacua.
Nacua's mom, Penina, took notice of the mentorship Kupp offered her son over the past two seasons, and decided to send Kupp his flowers. She took to social media, posting a heartfelt tribute addressed to Kupp.
Puka Nacua's mom posted a sweet tribute to Cooper Kupp after the Rams released him on Wednesday https://t.co/PUMAC5156Fpic.twitter.com/7Nxj6N3Hoo
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 14, 2025
"I never got the chance to meet you but I'm forever grateful for you, Cooper Kupp. Thank you for being nothing but the BEST example for Puka to help him begin his career. Nothing is by chance when he landed with the LA RAMS and I couldn't be more proud and happy that Puka had you for a mentor. Thank you for everything you gave to the team. May you continue to be GREAT and blessed with more success and health," Nacua's mom, @NacuaPenina posted on X.
In 2024, Nacua called Kupp "the mastermind of running routes," and said Kupp "was very open and honest with me and where I can improve," per ESPN's Sarah Barshop.
"I'm trying to still reach Coop's expectations because he set the standard for us in the wide receiver room and I think for a lot of receivers in the NFL," Nacua said.
Kupp was also named Super Bowl LVI MVP, helping lead the Rams to their most recent Super Bowl victory, 23-20 over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Related: Cooper Kupp Sends Farewell Message After Rams Release
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 4:30 AM.