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Kupp named Offensive Player of Year after capturing receiving triple crown

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named the NFL's 2021 Offensive Player of the Year on Thursday.

Kupp ran away with the award, receiving 35 of 50 votes. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Kupp's biggest competitor, had 10 votes. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers received three and two votes, respectively.

The 28-year-old Kupp enjoyed one of the greatest statistical campaigns in NFL history in 2021, as he led the league with 145 catches, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdown receptions through 17 games. He became only the fourth player in the Super Bowl era to top the league in all three major receiving categories after Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), and Steve Smith (2005).

Kupp's 1,947 yards and 145 receptions were second in NFL history to Calvin Johnson (1,964 yards in 2012) and Michael Thomas (149 catches in 2019), respectively.

One of five unanimous All-Pro selections, Kupp recorded 11 games with at least 100 receiving yards, tying an NFL all-time high in the regular season.

Taylor topped the league in scrimmage yards (2,171) and total touchdowns (20). The second-year pro also led all runners with 332 carries, 1,811 yards (5.5 per carry), and 18 scores on the ground.

Though voters don't take playoff production into account, Kupp has extended his absurd production through the postseason. He's the first player to top 2,000 receiving yards combined in the regular season and playoffs while helping the Rams reach Super Bowl LVI.

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