Cooper Kupp is one of the Los Angeles Rams’ keys to victory heading into Super Bowl LVI.

The Rams punched a ticket to the Super Bowl, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 20-17. It was Cooper Kupp leading the way, racking up over 140 yards while hauling in two touchdown passes from Matthew Stafford.

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For the first time in what seems like an eternity, we have a Super Bowl without Tom Brady. We also have a Super Bowl without Patrick Mahomes and his insufferable family. So without anyone to root against in this year’s Super Bowl, who do you root for?

Cooper Kupp was slicing up defenses at Davis High School in Yakima.

Born and raised in Yakima, Kupp was a man amongst boys during his high school career. Kupp lead the Davis High School Pirates to a state title in football and lettered for three years for their basketball program. Despite all this success, Cooper didn’t receive a college offer until three weeks after he played his last high school game. That offer came from nearby Eastern Washington University.

Cooper Kupp set a career NCAA Division I FCS record for yards while at Eastern Washington University.

Kupp’s athletic success continued at the collegiate level, with the Yakima native being named to four All-American teams. Kupp also took home numerous awards, including the Jerry Rice and Walter Payton awards. The Los Angeles Rams saw enough to spend a third-round draft pick to bring him to the Golden State in 2017.

Cooper’s NFL career got off to a hot start, with the Rams making Super Bowl LIII, a bout they would lose to the Tom Brady-led Patriots. Since then, Kupp has blossomed into one of the league’s best pass-catchers. In 2021, Kupp led the league in receiving yards, catches, and touchdowns. If you’re not sure who to pull for in Super Bowl LVI, may we suggest the local kid?

Cooper Kupp is just one of many great athletes to come from our beautiful area. How many of these sports figures do you know?

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