From Teammates to Opponents: The Kupp-Nacua Saga
Cooper Kupp established himself as a Los Angeles Rams legend and franchise icon before making the surprising move to join the Seattle Seahawks this season. His legacy with the Rams was cemented when he helped them secure victory in Super Bowl LVI back in 2022, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in a memorable showdown.
The Emergence of a New Star
In 2023, a new talent emerged on the Rams' roster: Puka Nacua. Under Kupp's guidance for two consecutive seasons, Nacua rapidly excelled in his position, developing into one of the league's most promising wide receivers. The trio consisting of quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nacua, and Kupp became famous for their rigorous preparation routines.
Their bond extended beyond the field, with early-morning breakfasts, intensive game tape sessions, and deep discussions about football, life, and personal growth. Nacua consistently regarded Kupp as his primary mentor, learning both technical skills and professional demeanor from the veteran receiver.
A Fateful Season of Separation
The 2025 season brought significant changes that ultimately broke up this formidable trio. As fate would have it, Kupp and Nacua found themselves facing each other three times throughout that competitive season. In each encounter, the mentor triumphed over the student, culminating in a particularly significant victory during the NFC Championship game.
What followed this high-stakes matchup was a genuinely humbling postgame conversation between the two athletes, captured on microphone and shared widely across social media platforms.
The Heartfelt Exchange
Here is the emotional dialogue that unfolded between Los Angeles star Puka Nacua and Seattle veteran Cooper Kupp after their championship battle:
Kupp: I love you, Puka. You're freaking unbelievable, man.
Puka: I love you, dog. Go win it.
Kupp: Yeah, we'll do our best, brother. Love you, man. Cheering for you. Rooting for you.
Puka: There wouldn't be no other way, man. One hundred percent. Love you.
Kupp: I love you, man.
Puka: Blessed to be around you. Go win it, man. You deserve it, Coop. I love you so much, brother.
Kupp: Thank you.
Football Community Reaction
MLFootball shared this poignant conversation on social media platform X with the caption: "HEARTWARMING: Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were mic'd up for their emotional hug after the NFC championship game. Kupp and Nacua were teammates and Cooper was his mentor. They have become very close friends."
The cybercitizen response to this heart-melting exchange was overwhelmingly positive. One X user commented: "Two dudes who love playing football. These guys are what every football coach should look for when trying to recruit or develop receivers."
Another found the moment particularly emotional, simply stating: "Pass the Kleenex." A third user praised the sportsmanship displayed, writing: "Classy stuff there."
When one user remarked about the frequency of "love you" expressions in their conversation, another quickly defended: "Shows that the NFL is more than a sport and that these guys are trying their best. I get that they mess up but most players support each other, but we should be nicer online to them."
A particularly insightful comment highlighted Nacua's development: "Nacua went from Kupp to Adams as mentors. He has the potential and has attained the knowledge to be special. Already headed in the right direction."
Mentorship Evolution
Nacua himself reflected on his relationship with Kupp in an interview with ESPN's Sarah Bishop, revealing: "I heard the voice of Cooper Kupp before I even saw the person of Cooper Kupp. I was like, I feel like this is our other coach. I just don't know what he looks like."
While Kupp served as Nacua's initial mentor, the young receiver has since developed a similar guidance relationship with Davante Adams. The 24-year-old BYU alumnus noted in June 2025 that Adams brings different knowledge and perspective compared to what they were accustomed to with Kupp's long-term presence in their system.
Super Bowl Aspirations
Nacua's former mentor now finds himself headed for the Super Bowl, earning a second chance at championship glory. The Seattle Seahawks will face the New England Patriots on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Given their heartfelt exchange, it's clear who the Los Angeles star wide receiver will be rooting for in this upcoming championship showdown.
This story transcends typical sports rivalries, showcasing the genuine bonds that form between athletes who share mutual respect, mentorship, and competitive spirit. It serves as a powerful reminder that professional sports encompass far more than just wins and losses—they're about relationships, growth, and human connection that endure beyond team affiliations.
