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A few years ago, had you told a Los Angeles Rams fan that Cooper Kupp would be returning to the Super Bowl in 2026, they would have assumed the former Super Bowl MVP was continuing to build a Hall of Fame argument with his longtime team.
Instead, it was Kupp, a Ram of eight years, who stuck a few daggers into the Rams' season on Sunday night. With a touchdown catch and two end-of-game plays — a controversial first-down catch, then a drawn holding call — Kupp helped the Seattle Seahawks eat plenty of fourth-quarter clock, ultimately giving the ball back with under 30 seconds before holding on for a 31-27 victory in the NFC Championship Game.
Seattle is heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015, and Kupp will be competing for his second title after his big plays helped put his former squad away.
Here's a look at Kupp's touchdown and end-of-game clutch plays that helped Seattle advance, including the controversy over his late third-down reception.
MORE: Why did the Rams release Cooper Kupp?
Cooper Kupp touchdown catch vs. Rams
Kupp, no longer the true No. 1 receiving threat he once was, has still managed to find ways to step up for Seattle all season. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba functioning as a go-to weapon for Sam Darnold, Kupp has played more of a secondary role, especially useful for his shorter-range route-running skill set.
Multiple times in the NFC Championship Game, that held true. First, in the third quarter with both offenses heating up, he caught a 3rd & 3 pass from Darnold that he took into the end zone.
Of course, Kupp's touchdown to make it 31-20 proved critical in an eventual four-point win.
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026Cooper Kupp catch, holding call helps Seahawks down Rams
While Smith-Njigba remained dominant, posting 153 receiving yards and a touchdown, Kupp also came through when his squad needed him most.
On a 3rd & 7 with over three minutes remaining, the Seahawks needed a first down to stay on the field and continue draining the clock, owning a 31-27 lead. Without moving the chains, Seattle would be giving the ball back to Matthew Stafford, hoping he didn't have some magic left to take the lead.
Instead of leaving that up to chance, Kupp stepped up for Seattle; by the narrowest of margins, he picked up a first down on the 3rd & 7 by fully extending the ball to the 35-yard line as he was being tackled by Colbie Durant.
Off their initial call, the officials gave Kupp the first down, which they ultimately stuck with. Seattle was able to move through another series of downs, taking more time off the clock.
Cooper Kupp appeared slightly short on this gritty 3rd Down catch vs Cobie Durant in Man coverage. Refs initially ruled him to have the 1st Down with a little more than 3 minutes left, and Sean McVay didn't challenge the spot.#Seahawks #SeattleSeahawks #Rams #NFCChampionship pic.twitter.com/nXTNEBUGj0
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) January 26, 2026Just a few moments later, Kupp was again involved with a game-deciding play. On 2nd & 7, with under 2:20 left on the clock, the veteran drew a holding penalty on Durant that, once again, allowed Seattle to drain more time.
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026Those two plays were critical in the Seahawks being able to punt the ball away with under 30 seconds remaining — the Rams were unable to structure a last-second comeback attempt.
In the moments after securing the win, Kupp enjoyed a moment with his former teammate, Puka Nacua.
Cooper Kupp is going back to the Super Bowl after a battle against the Rams. pic.twitter.com/m1lIQXYxpd
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026Cooper Kupp first-down catch controversy
On Kupp's 3rd & 7 catch that ultimately moved the chains for the Seahawks' final offensive drive, there was some controversy over two aspects of the play.
For one, it was difficult to tell whether or not Kupp got the ball to the first-down marker. The officials initially said that he did get the first down, but it was certainly a close call; Kupp's knees were hitting the ground just as he was stretching the ball forward.
The other aspect under a bit of question was whether Kupp completed the catch at all. He held onto the ball as Durant brought him to the ground, but when his upper body hit the grass, the ball came free.
Still, the officials ruled that it was a completed catch for a first down.
Cooper Kupp first down? Also is this a catch? pic.twitter.com/uWBXndQBpK
— Tedd Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) January 26, 2026Cooper Kupp stats vs. Rams
- Catches: 4
- Receiving Yards: 36
- YPC: 9.0
- TDs: 1
Kupp didn't have monster numbers against his former team in the NFC Championship Game, but he didn't need them. His catches made a massive difference in the result.
"It's unbelievable. This storyline, it couldn't have been written any better," Kupp said after taking down his former squad.
"This storyline, it couldn't have been written any better!"@DarrenMHaynes caught up with former Rams WR Cooper Kupp after defeating his former team and helping send the Seahawks to the Super Bowl.@CBSLosAngeles | #LARvsSEA pic.twitter.com/tpMqGgz4R6
— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) January 26, 2026
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