Kelly Stafford can’t imagine a Rams team without Cooper Kupp.
The wide receiver announced Monday that he was been informed by the Rams that “the team will be seeking a trade immediately,” adding that he didn’t agree with the decision.
The wife of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford sent a message to Kupp in an emotional tribute posted to her Instagram Story later that day.
“People don’t understand what all you bring to the game.. Beyond your insane talent. This one hurts,” Kelly wrote.
“Someone who welcomed me with open arms into this city, who can always make me smile, and constantly helps me realize what really matters. Dunno what this place is gonna look like without you. I dunno if I wanna find out.”
Kupp and Stafford won a Super Bowl together with the Rams in the 2021 season — after Los Angeles traded away Jared Goff to the Lions for Stafford in an offseason blockbuster.
Kupp, 31, was also named Super Bowl MVP.
“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships,” Kupp wrote. “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
“Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”
Kupp went on to say that he’s motivated to play football at a high level for years to come.
“I have taken so much pride in playing alongside my teammates for the LA community, so thank you for embracing my family and making this such a special place for us. 2024 began with one of the best training camps of my career. Preparations start now for 2025,” he continued. “Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come. Love you guys.. But coming for it all.”
Kupp’s eighth season with the Rams ended in a 28-22 loss to the Eagles in the divisional round on Jan. 19 in Philadelphia.
His role diminished in the pᴀssing game over the last two seasons as the Rams have turned to wideout Puka Nacua.
Kupp just completed the first year of a three-year contract extension, worth $80.1 million, that he signed with the Rams after a breakout year in 2021.
He became the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl that year.
In 2021, Kupp led the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
The Rams selected Kupp out of Eastern Washington in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
