Cooper Kupp secured his second Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday, enjoying the victory parade alongside his teammates and supporters. However, when Kupp addressed the crowd during the celebration, his unusual reference to a certain fruit left many fans perplexed.
Kupp’s Quirky Personality Shines Through in Speech
Known for his eccentric approach both on and off the field, Kupp has long stood out for his unconventional habits. During high school, he trained by wearing ankle weights even while attending classes, and his unpredictable style as a receiver was sometimes labeled uncoachable by some coaches. This offbeat nature was apparent in his remarks at the parade.
As he spoke, Kupp asked the assembled fans,
“Washington! How about them apples, huh?”
before expressing gratitude, saying,
“Hey, thank you, guys, for embracing a kid, a couple of kids from Eastern Washington, from Yakima, to Tri-Cities. I appreciate you all.”
Link Between Apples and Washington State Explained
While these words resonated warmly given Kupp’s roots in Yakima, Washington, where he also set numerous receiving records at Eastern Washington University, fans were left uncertain about the meaning behind the apple reference. The connection potentially lies in Washington State’s reputation as the nation’s top apple producer, supplying roughly 60 to 63 percent of the apples consumed across the United States annually.
The phrase
“How do you like them apples?”
dates back to the 19th century and is typically used in a playful or triumphant sense. It has since evolved into a lighthearted expression, occasionally deployed as a classic dad joke or to highlight a victory, and gained additional cultural recognition from its use in the film “Good Will Hunting.”
Seahawks’ Dominant Win Overshadows Speech Confusion
The Seahawks were widely expected to triumph, and their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots met those expectations without much struggle. Defensively, Seattle exerted considerable control, keeping their opponents scoreless until the fourth quarter, underscoring their supremacy throughout the game.
Kupp’s individual contribution proved significant; he finished as the team’s leading receiver with six catches for 61 yards, helping sustain offensive momentum. This accomplishment also established him as the first player in NFL history to lead two different teams in receiving yards during a Super Bowl.
Implications of Kupp’s Distinctive Speech and Historic Performance
Although Cooper Kupp’s mention of apples in his Super Bowl speech left some observers scratching their heads, it reflects his unique character and deep connection to his home state. His leadership in receiving, combined with the Seahawks’ resounding victory, solidifies his legacy as a remarkable athlete with an unconventional flair. Moving forward, Kupp’s ability to inspire both on and off the field will likely remain a defining aspect of his career, as fans and analysts look ahead to what he brings to the Seahawks and the NFL next season.
.@CooperKupp really said "how bout them apples?" 😂 pic.twitter.com/6dw1mNoF39
— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2026
