Cooper Kupp woke up Thursday morning a much richer man.
The Los Angeles Rams gave their top receiver a contract extension worth $80 million over three years on June 8. Including his current deal, Kupp will receive $110 million over five years with $75 million guaranteed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Moments after the deal was announced, Kupp showed gratitude for several people who helped make the deal happen.
Later that evening, Kupp shared a message on Twitter to thank several people in his life after agreeing to a new deal.
“The Los Angeles Rams made a childhood vision a reality when they showed their belief in me on draft day.. and today they showed their continued faith,” Kupp wrote. “For that, I want to thank the Kroenke family, the front office, and Coach [Sean] McVay.
Kupp, who will turn 29 next week, was selected by the Rams 69th overall in the third round of the 2017 draft. He started six and eight games in 2017 and 2018, respectively, before breaking out with a 1,000-yard season in 2019. Last season, when he finished third in MVP voting, he led the league with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards (second all-time in a single season) and 16 touchdowns.
The Rams are owned by Stan Kroenke, 74, who moved the team to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016.
Kupp Thanks Fans, Too
Kupp also thanked his agent and his on-field associates.
“I’m grateful for Ryan Tollner and Rep. 1. Since the moment I became a professional, they have represented me with class and integrity. I also want to show gratitude to all of my past and present coaches and teammates. Whether we participated in one or 1,000 drills, you left an impact and taught me a lesson.”
He also thanked his family and wife, Anna, his high school sweetheart whom he married in 2015, while professing his faith as well. Kupp is a self-proclaimed devout Christian.
“My family.. Anna, June, Cypress. Thank you for your willingness to allow me to play the game I love to the utmost. More than anyone else you understand the sacrifices to compete at the highest level, and you choose to join me in it as well. I am so thankful to share in that with the people I love the most.
“God is good. On the mountains and in the valleys, He has been with us every step of the way. While we have been afforded the privilege to play such an amazing game, it is with humility we know each moment here is intentional, albeit temporary. We pray each day to be a light in the world, filled and guided by His spirit, and to make the most out of every day according to His will. For his Glory!
Lastly, he acknowledged Rams fans.
“To every single Rams fan: I’m grateful for our five first years together..and even more excited by our future. LG!!”
In addition to sharing a message on his own page, Kupp sent a video message on the Rams’ Twitter account, saying “This is going to be an incredible ride. Can’t wait to get back at it.”
Kupp Just the Latest Ram to Receive Big Extension
With the Kupp signing, Los Angeles continued a successful effort to keep its Super Bowl-winning core together.
McVay, who turned down a lucrative offer to become a TV announcer, is expected to sign a hefty contract extension this offseason, Schefter reported in February. General manager Les Snead will also receive an extension, Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff told reporters in March.
In March, quarterback Matthew Stafford received a four-year, $160 million extension with $135 million guaranteed, making him the sixth highest paid quarterback based on average annual salary.
The next extension the Rams gave was historic. On June 6, they re-signed defensive tackle Aaron Donald to a three-year, $95 million deal. The first two years of the deal are fully guaranteed and the third season could be guaranteed if Donald’s still on the roster by the fifth day of the 2024 league calendar year. The contract is the biggest ever given to a non-quarterback in NFL history.
Kupp’s contract was also top of the line for his position. The $75 million in guaranteed money Kupp will receive is the most for a receiver, surpassing the $72.5 million guaranteed money Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill will get.
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