Throughout his eight-year career with the Rams, games at Lumen Field were an annual experience for Cooper Kupp, who would face the Seahawks as a visitor in his home state.
Family members and friends would make the drive over the Cascades to support the Yakima native, but they'd do so in somewhat of a conflicted fashion. Yes, they were proud of Kupp, a Davis High School and Eastern Washington University grad, but for the most part, the people coming to those games were also Seahawks fans.
That will change this Sunday, however, when for the first time in his decorated career, Kupp will be a member of the home team in his home state when the Seahawks host the 49ers on Sunday.
"It's a cool thing to be able to have," Kupp said Wednesday. "I think I've talked about it before, but my first time playing here, there were a ton of people here. My dad wanted all those tickets, maybe 150 tickets or something. It's a cool thing to be here. When you come here to play, your friends are wearing Seattle jerseys. Now we're in the same jersey. We're able to do that together, so that will be a really cool thing."
Of course, Kupp is far more than just a feel-good homecoming story heading into Seattle's opener; he is also a vital part of the Seahawks' new-look offense. After a Rams career that includes 7,776 career receiving yards, first-team All-Pro and AP Offensive Player of the Year Honors in 2021, and a Super Bowl MVP award, Kupp signed with the Seahawks this offseason to join Jaxon Smith-Njigba as one of the team's two starting receivers.
Kupp, who battled injuries in recent seasons, has been healthy and available throughout training camp and the offseason, and was able to quickly build a level of chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold and the rest of the offense that has allowed him to fit in quickly and look like someone who will be a playmaker in Klint Kubiak's offense.
"You can say Coop is definitely on another level," Smith-Njigba said. "So, I'm the young buck learning from that, and that's awesome. But I think it's awesome to really be able to see the cuts and see exactly what he does and be being able to kind of mirror that."
To Smith-Njigba's point, Kupp is proving to be a valuable resource to young receivers, including rookie Tory Horton, while also being one of Darnold's top targets.
"What stands out most about him is… just his work ethic," offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. "He's in there early, he's staying late, asking a lot of great questions. He just leads — leads by example right now. He's in there early with the quarterbacks, and it's hard to get him out of the building. He wants to be great. All of his tangibles and intangibles are rubbing off on the younger guys."
And it's not just the younger guys Kupp has helped since arriving in Seattle. As player as accomplished as he is and who has worked with one of football's best offensive coaches, Sean McVay, Kupp is a great sounding board for coaches on both sides of the ball.
"A great football player," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "The unspoken thing is he's been around the block and he's seen it done at a high level, and he's an independent thinker. I love that mentality of, 'Hey, I know we do it like this, but can we tweak it or could we make this a little better? I've seen it like this.' It's always coming through a lens of respect and trying to do it the best way, and as a coach, if you have the same mentality, you can come up with some great solutions. I feel like we've done that several times since he's been here, so he's been an asset to me. He's been an asset to Klint. He's been an asset to our offense, and he's been an asset to our football team."
After so many years of working closely with an offensive-minded head coach, the switch to Seattle represents a change in that regard, but Kupp has enjoyed trading ideas with Macdonald.
"We have coaches who want the best for the guys that sit in this room and are in this building. When you have coaches that want that, they are going to ask questions and be open to things, and the worst you can do is feel like you have everything figured out," Kupp said. "I have so much respect for Mike because he is open. He is like 'I just want what's best for our team, and whatever that looks like, let's make that happen.' You have a bunch of coaches that are the same way when it comes to football. So, it is a mixture of both those things. Him having an open-door policy where guys can come in and talk to him, and also, them being able to search out and find ways, find little edges for us, and I am really appreciative of that."
On talking football with Macdonald, Kupp said, "It's challenging. He talks fast, and he talks in their language. That's nice when he's throwing you some stuff, and I don't know what you call that. You call it 'lizard' or whatever you say, but I don't know what that means. And he just keeps going. And you're like, 'Look, dude, you win. You got us.' But no, it's been fun. It's been fun talking with him and being able to shoot ideas off each other and hearing what he's thinking, the things he's coming up with, and the things that get him excited about football, it's really cool. It's cool just to see the passion for the game and trying to find ways to win, but to find ways to make it really hard on an offense to do what they want to do. So, it's been fun hearing some of those ideas from him."
And while his current head coach and his former one have backgrounds coaching on opposite sides of the ball, Kupp does see similarities between Macdonald and McVay in how they attack their job.
"I think they're always on," he said. "It's just like constantly searching for what the next thing is going to be. Is there a weakness here? Is there something that I'm missing, something that I'm not seeing or is there a better way to do it? It just seems like it's constant and with both it's not even just with football or their side of the ball, it is the coaching side of things like how can we communicate better? How can we just be better in the building? As a player, it's like, man, you want to be around guys like that. They're pushing the envelope. They want to be ahead of everything. They're not okay sitting back and they're not okay with the thought that someone else is doing better than they are. I really appreciate that. I really love that mindset. It makes it fun as a player to be able to be a part of it."
As the first game of the 2025 regular season approaches, the Seahawks held a practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) and punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) and linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91), defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) and wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24)practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
