The Seattle Seahawks advanced to the playoffs with the best record in the NFC. Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp, one of the league’s top receivers, will be watching the opening postseason games from home. Notably, Kupp plans to mute the game broadcasts to avoid analyst commentary, reflecting a unique approach to studying football.
Why Does Cooper Kupp Say He Will Ignore NFL Analysts During Broadcasts?
In a Friday press conference (via Gregg Bell), Kupp explained his decision to tune out analysts during broadcasts. He emphasized that he studies football differently, focusing on replays and tactical breakdowns of each play rather than on others’ interpretations.
Kupp acknowledged the difficulty of NFL game commentary and stated his respect for analysts. However, he highlighted his commitment to independently studying the game and hinted at this in a direct message to analyst Cris Collinsworth. It should be noted that ambient sound can still be heard without the broadcast team, thanks to a new feature on Peacock.
Cooper Kupp will watch NFL playoff games with his boys at home on #Seahawks bye. “The color commentators?…I’ve got to mute that thing sometimes: Boys sit down. Let me explain to you what’s really happening here.
“Cris Collinsworth I love you. Let me explain what happened here.” pic.twitter.com/3gbZKlSfC5
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 9, 2026
“I just think the color commentator, analyst, I mean, it’s such a hard job, so difficult, I gotta mute that thing sometimes, you know, like boys, sit down. Let me explain to you what’s really happening. Chris Collinsworth, I love you. Let me. Let me explain what happened here. So I’m sure the boys love my dissertations. And yeah, but it’s fun.” Kupp said.
The WR pointed out that analyst commentary can shift interpretations of plays away from his own observations, which could affect his ability to study opposing players’ behaviors effectively.
Kupp’s approach illustrates his dedication to using the weekend to study potential playoff opponents with his teammates. The Seahawks will next face a Wild Card team in the Division Round.
Kupp Did Not Have Impressive Numbers in the Regular Season
Kupp, who ranks No. 57 in the PFSN WR Impact metric with a C grade, had an average season and finished the regular season with 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, but his consistency was impressive, missing only one game (Week 9) due to a thigh injury. Alongside that, the 32-year-old WR also showed good chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Considering the other seasons, Kupp has 681 receptions, 8,369 receiving yards, and 59 touchdowns, making him one of the best receivers of his generation. In addition, the WR won the Super Bowl LVI MVP award and the Triple Crown in 2021, recognizing his excellence in route running and game vision, which enabled him to break through opponents’ defensive schemes.
That season, Kupp caught 145 passes (the second-highest number in a single season in NFL history), totaling 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Some critics point out that the WR has been selected for the Pro Bowl only once, but the franchise seems to consider his on-field numbers undisputed.
His ability to decide games secured the Seahawks the NFC West title and the top spot in the NFC, with a bye in the first round of the playoffs and the advantage of playing all games at home until the Super Bowl.
