Difference Maker: Cooper Kupp

As the victorious Youngstown State players whooped and hollered Saturday night, Kupp gathered his teammates – “my brothers” – in quiet prayer at midfield. Dozens of players gathered, black uniforms matching their mood after a last-second defeat that ended the careers of Kupp and 11 other Eagle seniors. Somehow, Kupp lifted them up and the scoreboard lost its finality to become just another signpost on the journey of life.

Section:Gallery

Sat., Dec. 24, 2016

Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) embraces teammates after falling to Youngstown State during the second half of an FCS football game on Saturday, Dec 17, 2016, at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash. Youngstown State won the game 40-38.

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Eastern Washington Eagles quarterback Gage Gubrud (8) embraces Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) after they fell to Youngstown State during the second half of a FCS football game on Saturday, Dec 17, 2016, at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash. Youngstown State won the game 40-38.

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Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp embraces brother Ketner Kupp (40) after a Dec. 17, 2016, game against Youngstown State at Roos Field in Cheney.

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EWU wide receiver Cooper Kupp poses for a photo on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash.

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EWU receiver Cooper Kupp (10) holds hands with his wife, Anna Croskey, as they jog to a press conference after his team defeated Montana on Saturday, Oct 29, 2016, at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash.

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