The Steelers Legend Behind the Kupp Trade: A Story of Fate and Football
You might be thinking, "Wait, what? The Steelers and Cooper Kupp? What's the connection?" Well, it's a wild story that goes back to the glory days of Pittsburgh football.
Let's rewind the clock to 2017. The Rams are on the rise, and they're looking for a receiver to pair with their young quarterback, Jared Goff. Enter the 2017 NFL Draft, and the Rams are holding the 10th pick. They've got their eyes on a talented receiver from Eastern Washington named Cooper Kupp.
But hold on. The Steelers, with their rich history and a need for offensive firepower, are also eyeing Kupp. And guess who's at the helm of the Steelers? None other than the legendary Mike Tomlin.
Now, Tomlin is a smart guy. He knows talent when he sees it. He sees Kupp's potential and thinks he's the perfect fit for their offense. So, the Steelers go all-in, trading up in the draft to snag Kupp.
But here's the twist.
The Rams, not wanting to miss out on Kupp, make a counter-offer. They trade up to the 10th pick, the spot the Steelers are eyeing, and nab Kupp. The Steelers are left with a gaping hole at receiver, and Kupp goes on to become a star in LA.
This story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft. It shows how a single player can be the subject of a bidding war, changing the trajectory of two teams.
The Steelers would later get their wide receiver, drafting JuJu Smith-Schuster in the second round. But it could have been Kupp, and the Steelers could have been the ones celebrating his success. It's a classic "what if" story that football fans love to debate.
So, the next time you see Kupp making an incredible catch, remember that he almost wore a Steelers uniform. It's a fascinating reminder of how a single draft pick can have a ripple effect throughout the league.