Kupp recognized by state Senate

OLYMPIA – The Super Bowl’s most valuable player, an Eastern Washington native, was celebrated in a Senate resolution this week.

Cooper Kupp, a Yakima native and former Eastern Washington University football standout, was celebrated in a resolution for his career, work ethic and humility.

The resolution recognizing Kupp was sponsored by 6th District Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, and 14th District Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima.

“Let’s talk about being a role model,” Sen. Holy said during a floor speech on the resolution. “Cooper Kupp is a family man who, along with being a man of strong faith and moral base, also seems to understand that he has an opportunity to provide an example for others and to be a role model for those coming behind him.”

Kupp, who starred in football and basketball at Davis High School in Yakima, set several national records as wide receiver at Eastern before being drafted in the third round by the Rams in 2017.

He was named first-team All-Pro for the recently concluded 2021 season after leading the National Football League in receptions (145, second most in a season in NFL history), receiving yards (1,947, also second most in a season in league history) and receiving touchdowns (16).

During his floor speech on the resolution, Holy, whose district includes Eastern, said there is more to Kupp than his amazing athletic performances.

“Kupp seems to live his faith in his involvement in the community and several charitable organizations, including Spokane’s own Second Harvest. Focus, achievement, loyalty, role model,” Holy said. “Today I’m proud to honor Cooper Kupp, not only as a role model for so many, but the quality of man that we’d all like to have as a friend.”