Kupp returns to L.A. to face Rams for first time

[Kupp, from D1]

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COOPER KUPP has been welcomed home in his return to Washington, where he was raised, but still is adjusting after years in L.A. "This is where I grew up, my wife's home, but it's not where our home was," he said.

(JANE GERSHOVICH Getty Images)

“If I'm not learning something, a book better transport me.”

Kupp was transported last offseason, and not by his choosing. The Rams released him to make room for receiver Davante Adams, parting ways with one of their most popular players, an architect of rebuilding a fan base in Los Angeles, and most valuable player of their Super Bowl win in the 2021 season.

The reunion happens Sunday when the 7-2 Rams play host to the 7-2 Seahawks in an NFC West showdown, Kupp's first return to SoFi Stadium after spending his first eight seasons in Southern California.

“It'll be mixed emotions,” Kupp told The Times after practice last week. “I have so much gratitude for the people there. But I'm going down there to play a game. I've spent countless hours preparing to beat that team.”

There was a time when Kupp was a focal point of the Rams’ offense, but he eventually receded a bit into the background as Puka Nacua began to ascend. By the end of his run there, Kupp was a seasoned elder statesman, still contributing but also helping younger players fine-tune their game.