Puka Nacua’s mom shares heartfelt tribute to Cooper Kupp as Rams release the Super Bowl MVP winning WR

Puka Nacua's mother Penina Nacua thanked Cooper Kupp while wishing him well in a farewell post to him.

Puka Nacua’s mom shares heartfelt tribute to Cooper Kupp as Rams release the Super Bowl MVP winning WR

Cooper Kupp and Penina Nacua (Images via Open Source)

The Los Angeles Rams are pulling no stops to ensure they improve their roster and make a deep playoff run next season. The team lost 28-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team which ultimately went on to win the Super Bowl. Sean McVay agreed to what would have been deemed impossible to fathom two years ago, release Cooper Kupp.

The wide receiver has been in Los Angeles for eight seasons, the former third-round pick turned out to be their lucky charm as his heroics earned them a Super Bowl championship in 2022. The former Super Bowl MVP’s contract came to the end of his contract with the Rams and the team informed him earlier in February that they do not intend to re-sign him.

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No team was willing to trade for Kupp due to his increasing age and susceptibility to injuries. The emergence of sophomore receiver Puka Nacua had a role to play in this. LA has moved on from Kupp and they view Nacua as the heir apparent to Cooper Kupp.

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The Super Bowl MVP has helped shape Nacua’s game and he has been a great veteran who has set the standard for him. After the wideout was released, Nacua’s mother Penina Nacua took to X and thanked Kupp for everything.

Penina Nacua lauds Cooper Kupp’s professionalism

She was grateful that her son was able to have a humble professional such as Kupp to strive to in the right time. It was a warm gesture on her part to acknowledge his contributions in helping Puka. Although, it was surprising to hear that the two had never met each other before.

“I never got the chance to meet you but I’m forever grateful for you Cooper Kupp. Thank you for being nothing but the BEST example for Puka to help him begin his career Nothing is by chance when he landed with the LA RAMS and I couldn’t be more proud and happy that Puka had you for.

Penina Nacua wrote

Kupp leaves Los Angeles as a star, a franchise legend that made history. He has had just two 1,000+ receiving yard seasons in his career and in one of those seasons, he ran for 1,947 yards. However, there are other concerns which made the Rams choose to part ways with him. With age, his injuries have worsened and his availability, a concern.

Puka Nacua will spearhead the Rams’ offense with Cooper Kupp’s departure

The fifth-round draft pick has beginnings similar to Cooper Kupp. Both of them were underdogs, one drafted in the third round and in the case of Nacua, the fifth round. The newbie had a rookie year for the ages as he ended the year with nearly 1,500 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns quickly establishing himself as a receiving star and the future of Los Angeles.

Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp
Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp (Image Credits: via AP)

His popularity soared and the chemistry with Matthew Stafford was poetry in motion. Last season, he played in 11 games and nearly had a 1,000 yard receiving season. Los Angeles is looking to bring in younger players, the team is establishing a foundation to build a roster that can compete year-after-year and Kupp does not fit into their vision. Puka Nacua is the face of that vision now.

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