Cooper Kupp looks quite different these days after trimming down his Viking-esque beard for a shorter, 10 years younger-esque beard. He's almost a completely different face standing at the podium representing the Seattle Seahawks than he has been the last few years with the Los Angeles Rams.
The beard, as sad as it was to see it go, isn't the only change Kupp has undertaken this year. Aside from the change of scenery, all while still being on the West Coast with his new team, the Seahawks, Kupp seems to have taken on a significant role in the leadership space.
The Super Bowl winner is not Seattle's undisputed No. 1 receiver, like he was with the Rams, either. At the same time, it seems odd to consider Kupp a wily old veteran filling in the role of the mentor.
Yet, after hearing his sentiments during this week's media session, Kupp appears completely comfortable playing that role, but not totally trading it in for being a productive wide receiver this season, at the same time.
Cooper Kupp's winning experience in LA is translating to his new Seahawks teammates
The Seahawks are one of the youngest squads in the NFL, especially on the defensive side, with several talented players all under the age of 24. On the offensive side, Seattle's likely No.1 receiver this season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is also very young.
For Kupp, who has a Super Bowl ring and a history of playing competitive football in the playoffs since he entered the league, he might be the perfect mentor Seattle has in its possession.
While speaking to the media on Day 1 of Seattle's first day of padded practice, Kupp spoke about what it's like being a young receiver, adapting to the offense and a coach's system, and how to navigate mistakes. His wise advice is exactly what someone like Smith-Njigba, who is entering his third year in the NFL, could grow from exponentially.
Kupp wasn't really one to make a lot of mistakes during his time in LA, and the fact that he has a triple crown on his name only proves that he did many more things right than wrong. Still, no matter the size of the flaws or mistakes, it's the experience that Kupp can draw from that's clearly coming out in Seattle's training camp, and hopefully, making a serious impact on his teammates.
So, while a newly placed leadership role has rested on Kupp's shoulders, there is still the business of football to take care of. Catching balls and scoring touchdowns is Kupp's specialty, and it's why Seattle signed him as a free agent this summer.
Last year, injuries held Kupp back, but now, fully healthy, he is excited to get his time with the Seahawks rolling, as he proclaimed in front of the media. We're several weeks away from witnessing what Kupp will produce on the field.
That said, there is no doubt his value is extremely high with Seattle, and if Sam Darnold plays like he did last year, a connection between him and Kupp should evolve in no time. It's just too bad Kupp won't be doing any of it with the beard.