Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is one of the most talented players in the NFL. As a follower of Christ, he also knows that football can’t come before his life’s main priorities – faith, family and friends.
The 31-year-old has played for the Rams since he was chosen in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Two years ago, Kupp’s stellar performance helped the Rams clinch a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI; he was named the game’s MVP. He was also named Offensive Player of the Year for his 2021 season, deemed by the Associated Press to “have had the most outstanding season.”
Kupp is married to his wife Anna; they have three sons together. He’s also outspoken about his Christian faith.
The couple recently started a podcast, Daily Grind, which focuses on their adventures in parenting, their new coffee shop, and behind-the-scenes football stories.
“We’re trying to thrive. We want to be there for our boys and not feel like we’re just kind of surviving with our boys,” Cooper said. “But we’re giving them an opportunity to grow into what they’re going to be – men of God.”
Cooper also speaks about the great joy Anna and him find in the daily tasks of parenting. “We have great boys. Our boys are incredible,” he said, adding,
In the middle of the day, we’ll be like, “Wow, we just feel so incredibly blessed by our family and the love that we get to share in our home.”
Despite being an outstanding football player, Kupp has spoken about how he keeps the most important things first in his life.
“Players are taught…you need to sacrifice your soul for success,” he reflected, adding,
I couldn’t disagree more … I know that as a football player, when everything else is in alignment, when my priorities go: faith, family, friends and football, I’m in such a better place.
Cooper’s focus on his faith, and his relationships with those closest to him, should be greatly commended.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encouraged his hearers not to be anxious about life’s temporary struggles, but to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34, ESV).
It can be difficult to balance all of life’s daily tasks. Prioritizing our responsibilities is crucial. Indeed, what we act upon is what matters to us. Everything else is just talk.
If you say voting is important to you, but you never vote, then it isn’t important to you. The same is true for exercise, eating well, reading Scripture, praying, and spending time with your family and friends.
We read in 1 John 3:18, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (ESV). And Jesus taught in Matthew 7:20, “Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
As you hopefully have time off to celebrate Independence Day, consider what is most important to you in life. Do those priorities line up with your actions? If not, ponder ways you can readjust your schedule, making time for faith, family and friends.
To speak with a family help specialist or request resources, please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Related articles and resources:
Rams’ Cooper Kupp at ESPY Awards: “God is Good. My wife; I adore you.”
Cooper Kupp Gives God Thanks After Contract Extension: ‘For His Glory!’
Cooper Kupp Helps the Rams Win NFC Championship. But Faith and Family are His Real Wins.
Small Ways to Make Marriage a Priority
Prioritizing Your Marriage in the Midst of Motherhood
Photo from Getty Images.
