Cooper Kupp: Is Playing Today | Why Did He Leave the Rams | How Old Is He

Cooper Kupp — one of the most talented NFL wide receivers of his generation — remains a headline story across the league in 2026. From historic seasons with the Los Angeles Rams to a new chapter in Seattle, football fans worldwide are asking:

• Is Cooper Kupp playing today?

• Why did he leave the Rams?

• How old is Cooper Kupp?

In this complete guide, we answer all those questions and dive deep into his career, health, and status heading into major games this season.

Who Is Cooper Kupp? A Quick Bio

Cooper Douglas Kupp is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL).

• Born: June 15, 1993, in Yakima, Washington, U.S.

• College: Eastern Washington University

• Draft: 2017, Round 3 (Pick 69) by the Los Angeles Rams

• Position: Wide Receiver

Kupp is known for elite route running, durability during prime years, and historic 2021 performance — when he led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, also earning Super Bowl LVI MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Is Cooper Kupp Playing Today? (January 26, 2026)

Yes — Cooper Kupp is active and playing today.

In the 2026 NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, Kupp was on the field contributing to Seattle’s offensive effort.

• Kupp caught a touchdown in the game, helping the Seahawks secure a 31-27 victory and advance to Super Bowl LX.

• Reports also confirm he is not inactive and not currently dealing with a significant injury from the latest injury reports.

In short: Kupp played today as an active starter for the Seahawks. His involvement highlights his ongoing value even deep into his career.

Why Did Cooper Kupp Leave the Los Angeles Rams?

After eight legendary seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Kupp’s departure in 2025 was one of the NFL’s most talked-about moves. Here’s what happened:

1. Trade Attempts and Release

The Rams informed Kupp early in 2025 they were seeking to trade him, despite his desire to stay.

Teams explored trade scenarios, but no agreement materialized because of salary, age concerns, and injury history.

With no trade partner available, the Rams released him on March 12, 2025.

2. Cap and Roster Management

Reports also highlighted that salary cap implications played a role — Kupp was due significant money under his contract, and the Rams opted to allocate resources to younger or more cost-effective players.

The Rams also signed Davante Adams around the same period, signaling a shift in personnel strategy.

3. Injuries and Performance Arc

Since his historic 2021 campaign, Kupp suffered multiple injuries, which affected his production and availability.
Those injuries — including ankle and hamstring issues — combined with age and performance fluctuation, made other teams reluctant to give up significant assets in a trade.

4. New Chapter in Seattle

Shortly after his release, Kupp signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks — returning to his home state of Washington.

Kupp expressed excitement about joining Seattle and continuing his NFL journey.

How Old Is Cooper Kupp in 2026?

As of January 2026, Cooper Kupp is 32 years old.

Born on June 15, 1993, Kupp turned 32 in June 2025 and will remain in that age bracket through much of the 2026 season.

For wide receivers, age 32 is often considered veteran status — but Kupp continues to contribute meaningfully on the field.

Career Highlights & Key Achievements

Cooper Kupp’s legacy goes far beyond his current situation:

NFL Achievements

• Super Bowl LVI Champion and MVP (with the Rams).

• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2021).

• Led NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns (2021).

Career Stats (as of 2025 season)

• 681 career receptions.

• 8,369 receiving yards.

• 59 receiving touchdowns.

Kupp’s production underscores a career that has already cemented him as one of the NFL’s top playmakers of his era.

Current Role With the Seattle Seahawks

Since joining the Seahawks in 2025:

• Kupp has become a key veteran receiver and leader.

• He’s second on the team in targets and receptions while helping mentor younger players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

• In playoff games, including the NFC Championship, Kupp has shown he can still make big plays when it matters most.

This role — both on the scoreboard and in the locker room — highlights his ongoing importance despite shifting teams.

FAQs – Cooper Kupp

Is Cooper Kupp playing today?

Yes. Cooper Kupp was active and played in the Seahawks’ NFC Championship Game in January 2026. He caught a key touchdown and helped Seattle reach Super Bowl LX.

Why did Cooper Kupp leave the Rams?

The Rams tried to trade him but found no partner, then released him in March 2025 due to salary cap, age, and injury considerations.

How old is Cooper Kupp?

Cooper Kupp was born on June 15, 1993, making him 32 years old in 2026.

Which team does Cooper Kupp play for now?

Kupp signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2025 on a three-year contract worth approximately $45 million.

Has Cooper Kupp won any major awards?

Yes — he has won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Super Bowl MVP, and led the league in major receiving categories.

Is Kupp injured right now?

As of the latest game, Kupp is active with no major injury designation, though his game involvement can vary week to week as part of Seattle’s offensive game plan.

Final Thoughts

Cooper Kupp’s journey — from Rams legend to key Seahawks veteran — showcases the evolution of an elite NFL talent navigating age, roster economics, and opportunity.

At 32 years old in 2026, he remains a meaningful contributor and is playing at the highest stakes: a Super Bowl run with Seattle.

Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan, fantasy player, or casual observer, Kupp’s story this season adds rich layers of narrative and performance worth watching.