Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp's Pregame Interaction Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 6:03 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks will play each other in the NFC championship at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday night.

Sam Darnold and the Seahawks enter the contest as slight favorites, which is not surprising after they finished the regular season with the best record in the conference at 14-3.

However, Matthew Stafford and the Rams pose a huge threat. It's worth noting that Stafford is an MVP finalist after recording league highs of 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns during the 2025 season.

Seattle reached the NFC championship after a dominant 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams, for their part, overcame the Carolina Panthers (34-31) and Chicago Bears (20-17) to make it to the conference title game.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks on during a game.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Prior to the game, though, Stafford set aside the competition to share a moment with Cooper Kupp, his teammate of four seasons with the Rams.

The veteran wide receiver was also part of the Rams' Super Bowl-winning team in the 2021 season and even earned Super Bowl MVP honors.

Kupp, unfortunately, was released after the 2024 season and joined the Seahawks.

Before they play each other, Stafford approached Kupp on the field and dapped him up before sharing a hug.

Matthew Stafford is the first Rams player on the field and walks right up to Cooper Kupp pic.twitter.com/sO1ICGJ8BW
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 25, 2026