For the first time in their careers, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp will share the football field, not as teammates, but as opponents, when the Los Angeles Rams host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. The two LA titans both spoke ahead of Sunday’s tilt.
Stafford was quite open about his excitement in his response.
Kupp, who is making a return to the first NFL home he knew, downplayed the significance of what this game and his time with the Rams meant to him personally.
Cooper Kupp Delivers Honest Take on Rams Homecoming
GettyCooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates winning Super Bowl LVI.
Despite his connection to the Rams, fond memories of the journey to winning Super Bowl LVI, and an NFC West matchup, Kupp refused to make this game any more important than the rest
“It’s the same thing that I’ve preached since I’ve been up here,” Kupp told reporters during his media availability on November 12. “It’s another football game. Get out there, play your game. Yeah, I mean, love these guys. I love so many of the guys over there. But at the end of the day, got to go play a football game.
“That’s going to be what it is. Try to treat this the same as any other game. And yeah, go out there and just be able to lock in, do your job one play after the next, and take that play-by-play mindset and, yeah, same as usual.”
The Rams cut Kupp this past offseason in what was an emotional decision for both sides.
The 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, Kupp, signed with his near-home-town Seahawks during free agency.
Cooper Kupp: ‘Can’t Make This Game About Yourself’
GettyCooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during warm ups before a game against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff.
Kupp joked, “I’m not dead,” when made aware of the Rams’ rumored plans to honor him during his return to SoFi Stadium. However, Kupp said he has nothing to prove to anyone in this contest.
Kupp said, “You can’t make this game about yourself,” because “it’s too much of a team game.”
“There’s just too many guys on the field doing too many things, working at such a high level. It’s just about controlling what you can control, being a positive part of whatever it’s called, and executing at a high level, and coming back and doing it over and over again. And it would just be a shame to say I want this game more than any other game,” Kupp said.
“That’s doing a disservice to the guys that sit in this room with me, that I would hold back anything from them because of my own ambitions or wants or desire. I’m coming in here every week and giving my all in my preparation and what I’m doing. And when I step on the field, you know you’re going to get the best that I can offer you. Because that’s what the guys here deserve. And so, that doesn’t change based on any outstanding circumstances for myself.”
Kupp may be approaching this game with all business on his mind, but he should certainly expect a warm welcome before the game from at least one of his teammates.
Matthew Stafford Gets Honest About Cooper Kupp
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams talks with former teammate Cooper Kupp #10.
Stafford spoke candidly about his excitement to see Kupp, his top target when he first arrived in LA following his trade from the Detroit Lions. Stafford said he and Kupp remain friends, though they have not seen one another in some time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him. I haven’t seen him in a while. Saw him a little bit, probably, before the season started in the summer. But looking forward to it. I’m glad he’s feeling good and ready to rock and roll,” Stafford told reporters on November 12. “He’s a lifelong friend of mine. Obviously, we’ll be competing against him this weekend, but it’ll be good to see him.”
Kupp and Stafford figure to have time to reminisce before the Rams and Seahawks face off on the field. The same will be true afterward.
For at least 60 minutes on Sunday, though, the two friends will try to ruin each other’s day.
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