He didn't win league MVP, but Cooper Kupp still managed to make some history Thursday night. The Rams' receiver -- who won Offensive Player of the Year during NFL Honors -- became the first wide receiver to receive a MVP vote since Randy Moss in 1998. Kupp finished third behind Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, the latter of whom won his fourth MVP award.
The 28-year-old receiver led the NFL in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions during the regular season. His 147 receptions and 1,947 receiving yards were the second-highest regular season totals in league history. Kupp became the first receiver in league history to surpass 2,000 receiving yards in a season during the Rams' win over the Cardinals in the wild card round of the playoffs. In 20 games this season, Kupp has 170 receptions for 2,333 yards and 20 touchdowns. His play has helped spearhead the Rams' NFC championship run.
"I truly believe this would not be possible without my family, without my wife, without my boys, without the support system that I have behind me," Kupp said upon winning Offensive Player of the Year, via the Rams' team website. "I'm just so incredibly thankful for them and for their willingness to sacrifice to allow me to play this game with the respect that it demands."
Kupp's record season comes 23 years after Moss put together one of the greatest rookie seasons in league history. The 21st pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, Moss caught 69 passes for 1,313 yards. His 17 touchdown receptions that season remains a rookie record. Moss' play that season helped the Vikings become the third 15-1 team in league history.
Moss received four MVP votes that season while finishing behind his quarterback -- Randall Cunningham -- and Broncos running back Terrell Davis. Davis, who rushed for 2,008 yards that season, capped off his MVP campaign by helping the Broncos win their second of back-to-back championships. Kupp will look to cap off this season with a win over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.