SAN FRANCISCO – The Seattle Seahawks are riding the momentum of a successful season, fueled by a potent combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, in his first season with the team after a departure from the Los Angeles Rams, has been instrumental in the development of young star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, propelling the Seahawks towards Super Bowl contention.
Kupp, reflecting on his transition, acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the Rams, where he achieved significant accolades, including a Super Bowl MVP in 2021 with 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. However, he expressed confidence in his continued ability to perform at a high level. “It was tough having to leave the Rams, but I believe in my abilities. I know I can still play at a high level,” Kupp stated.
Smith-Njigba, in his third NFL season, has quickly become a focal point of the Seahawks’ offense, amassing 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Kupp has embraced a mentorship role, guiding the young receiver’s growth. “Jaxon has been a wonderful teammate and valued friend. It’s very pleasant to be surrounded by people who want to learn and I want to be an open book for them, it makes me happy to share advice to those who want to improve,” Kupp added.
Smith-Njigba, in turn, credits his success to a willingness to learn and a gratitude for the opportunities he’s been given. He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges and appreciating the journey. “I’m also grateful to have experienced difficult times, they allowed me to get to this stage of my career. I don’t take it for granted, so many great players haven’t had a taste of the Super Bowl,” Smith-Njigba explained.
The connection between Kupp and Smith-Njigba extends beyond on-field performance. Smith-Njigba highlighted the instant chemistry he developed with quarterback Sam Darnold, noting that he proactively sought feedback from Darnold before the season to identify areas for improvement. “From the first practices, I found that I had a good connection with him. Before the season, I asked him what aspects I needed to work on. But to see where we are, it’s wonderful,” Smith-Njigba said. This connection has resulted in Smith-Njigba catching over 36% of the offense’s passes.
Smith-Njigba draws inspiration from a pantheon of NFL greats, including Larry Fitzgerald, Antonio Brown, Terrell Owens, and Dez Bryant. His rapid ascent has led many to consider him among the league’s elite receivers, a notion he approaches with humility. He acknowledged a long-held belief in his talent and a dedication to continuous improvement. “I knew I had this talent in me, I always tried to develop my skills since my childhood. It was important for me to be able to accomplish several things on the field,” he stated.
The Seahawks’ success is not solely attributable to offensive firepower. Defensive plays, such as those made by DeMarcus Lawrence, have also been crucial. Leonard Williams, a defensive tackle, emphasized the team’s strong bond and the detailed coaching approach of Head Coach Mike Macdonald. Williams noted the team felt they had a special dynamic throughout their journey to the Super Bowl. He also highlighted the importance of the defensive line’s ability to generate pressure without relying on blitzes.
Devon Witherspoon, a cornerback, echoed Williams’ sentiments, emphasizing the team’s culture and the strong relationships formed early in the season. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play football and provide for his family. Witherspoon looks up to Darrelle Revis as a football idol and his mother as his life inspiration.
Looking ahead, Smith-Njigba has his sights set on winning a Super Bowl and, ambitiously, representing his country at the Olympic Games.
“I would love to represent my country at the Olympics, I have been to several countries and seen how football has grown internationally. I always wanted to be an Olympian!”
Kupp, while focused on his current role, envisions a future in coaching, though not necessarily within the NFL due to the demanding time commitment. “I love this sport so much, it would be difficult to leave it forever,” he concluded. He believes his experience and passion for the game would translate well to a coaching position, though outside the professional ranks.
The Seahawks’ journey to the Super Bowl has been marked by a collaborative spirit and a commitment to excellence. The mutual respect between veterans like Kupp and emerging stars like Smith-Njigba exemplifies the team’s dynamic, and their combined efforts have positioned them as strong contenders for the championship. The team’s success has also been noted by opposing players; Matthew Stafford of the Rams sought out Kupp after their playoff elimination to offer congratulations and a warm embrace, a testament to the respect Kupp commands throughout the league.
Kupp’s own journey to this point included a difficult Super Bowl experience in , where he was injured and unable to play in the loss to the Patriots. He remembers dreaming of winning the Super Bowl as a young player, and that dream remains his primary focus. “When you’re young, you dream of winning the Super Bowl. No matter where you come from, you dream of great moments. I can’t be more grateful. It never loses its luster,” Kupp assured.
