Cooper Kupp is on the verge of history heading into Week 18, chasing Michael Thomas‘ receptions record and Calvin Johnson’s receiving yards record with the extra game added to the schedule. Kupp also is looking to add his name to this record book as well, becoming just the fourth receiver in the Super Bowl era to capture the receiving triple crown.
To hold the receiving triple crown, a player needs to be first in the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Kupp leads the league in catches (138), receiving yards (1,829) and receiving touchdowns (15) heading into the final week of the season. The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver is just 12 catches away from passing Thomas for the most catches in a season (149) and 136 yards from passing Johnson for the most receiving yards in a season (1,964).
Kupp is 21 catches ahead of Davante Adams (117), 320 yards ahead of Justin Jefferson (1,509), and two touchdowns ahead of Ja’Marr Chase (13) for the triple crown. The receiving touchdown mark is the only statistic in jeopardy, but one receiving touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday should seal the honor for Kupp.
“It’d be pretty special,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Kupp winning the triple crown. “It’s a great reflection of the team, but of his accomplishments within the team. He’s been such a special player, not only this year, but really since we drafted him five years ago. (I) love (WR) Cooper Kupp. It’d be outstanding.”
Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), and Steve Smith (2005) are the only three players in the Super Bowl era to capture the triple crown. If Kupp gets the triple crown leading in all three categories, he’ll be the first player to win the triple crown upright since Sharpe (Smith was tied for first in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2005).
“I know the respect that Cooper Kupp has for the history of this game and all three of those guys are so elite in their own right at playing that position. It’s a testament to the production,” McVay said. “When you start talking about catches, yards, touchdowns — it’s unbelievable that he’s mentioned in that same category.
“He has to go finish it out, but he has delivered in so many different ways for us and what he does without the ball is arguably as impressive. Those people that really love studying the tape, watching the intricacies of what he does snap in and snap out, it’s pretty remarkable. You just feel fortunate to be able to work with a player like him, but all three of those guys — what a special group that is. Amazing accomplishments that those men achieved.
“For Cooper to be mentioned in that same category and potentially be able to have his name alongside of those guys with the triple crown is a huge testament to the hard work he’s put in. Then also, being surrounded by great teammates.”
Kupp will be chasing records Sunday, as his 2021 season is one of the best for a wide receiver in NFL history.
