"While I didn't go to USC and be a running back, I do think the habits that I formed in high school have carried me through everything, every step of my career," Kupp said. "I understand that it is the work. It's the time that you put in your preparation, that sets you up to go play this game freely. Those habits were established early on. It's all I know now."
Kupp added, "I'm thankful for Coach Dumas, for his doubts, thankful for Dumas also for his coaching because he is one of the guys, that as time went on believed in me and pushed me and set me up to be who I am today."
For Kupp, an NFL career where he's gearing up to start his ninth season is a testament to that mindset, his longevity, work ethic and consistency.
"He's going to be the first one in and the last one out," Dumas said. "He's going to try to do that as much as possible. That was how he was when he was here in high school. That certainly translated over to Eastern [Washington University], where he was getting extra work before practice, extra work after practice, being really dedicated to his craft. I think that's one thing that has been really consistent with him is his work ethic, consistency and dedication to his craft."