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By Tyler Erzberger
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Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are former teammates, but they're much more than that.
When Nacua was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the two formed a mentor-protege relationship alongside Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Kupp and Stafford were famous for their early-morning breakfasts, when they'd go over game tape and discuss football, life, and more. After being drafted, Nacua worked his way into those morning routines, creating a close bond between the three of them.
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So, on Sunday night, after the NFC Championship game in which both caught touchdown passes on opposing teams, it meant more than a simple embrace following the result. The mentor had defeated the student, with Kupp moving on for a chance at his second ring while Nacua is still searching to play in his first Super Bowl.
The two met on the field after a back-and-forth battle between the two NFC West rivals, who played one of the best three-game sets in NFL history over the course of the campaign, with Seattle finally emerging as the ultimate victor.
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Kupp and Nacua expressed their love and gratitude with one another, as the veteran Seahawk praised his protege for how "unbelievable" he's become as a receiver.
Nacua, saddened by the loss but happy for his friend, gave him a mission as he looks towards the final matchup against the New England Patriots.
"Go win it, man," he said. "You deserve it, Coop."
It was a game both players knew was the likeliest outcome in the NFC, with their previous two games coming down to the final play. Once again, their finale came down to the final seconds, with Kupp making the most clutch catch of the game on a third-and-long, so the Rams didn't get the ball back down four with time on the clock to win the game.
Kupp was open about staying with the Rams and publicly said he would rework his contract to remain in Los Angeles, but he was waived. The former Super Bowl MVP decided to head home to Washington, signing with the Seahawks and rejuvenating his career alongside Sam Darnold and Offensive Player of the Year favorite Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
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