Report: Rams, Seahawks coaches nearly came to blows in elevator originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Former Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp played a decisive role in ending Los Angeles’ season, delivering three of the most pivotal moments in Seattle’s 31–27 victory in the NFC championship.
Seattle scored its final points on Kupp’s 13-yard touchdown reception, a play that swung momentum late in the game. Minutes later, he delivered again, hauling in a dramatic, corkscrew-style catch before lunging forward to convert a crucial first down and keep the clock moving. The Seahawks effectively iced the game when Kupp drew a defensive holding penalty downfield on former teammate Cobie Durant, extending the final drive and preventing Los Angeles from getting the ball back.
The significance of the moment was evident afterward. Kupp exited the locker room before media arrived, leaving the stadium quietly with his family, a clear indication of how personal the game had been for him.
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That emotion had been simmering for months. The Rams’ decision to release Kupp earlier in the season was perceived by some in Seattle as disrespectful, and tensions between the two organizations reportedly boiled over during a Week 16 matchup at the same stadium.
According to The Athletic’s Mike Silver and multiple witnesses, a late red-zone fumble by Kupp in that game — which halted a potential Seahawks scoring drive — sparked a heated confrontation between members of both coaching staffs.
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As Rams and Seahawks coaches exited their suites at halftime and entered a shared elevator to field level, Rams assistants were discussing the fumble. One offensive coach reportedly asked which Seattle player was responsible, and when told it was Kupp, reacted with a snicker, as if the answer were expected.
That response infuriated Seahawks outside linebackers coach Chris Partridge, whose anger escalated the situation. Rams defensive pass rush coordinator Drew Wilkins shouted back, and witnesses said Partridge had to be restrained by fellow Seahawks coaches in the crowded elevator, narrowly avoiding a physical altercation.
The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on Feb. 8.
