SANTA CLARA, Calif. – “Definitely super surreal, but man, the season went by so fast, but I’m so glad I got to be a part of it with this group of guys and this team, so, really looking forward to Sunday and looking forward to the rest of this week, and trying to take advantage of it,” Efton Chism said.
Patriots rookie wide receiver and special teams add Efton Chism III rides through his debut season as the standout number two receiver in Eastern Washington’s history, behind only one legend.
“Eastern Washington was one of two schools to give me an opportunity to keep playing football,” Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp said. “So, one, incredibly thankful for that opportunity, but also for the time that I had there.”
Kupp, a former Super Bowl MVP, joined rival Seattle this offseason and helped lead them to the first Super Bowl between two Eagles, and both at the same position.
“It’s awesome,” Chism said. “Like you said, I think Eastern Washington shaped me and helped me become a better man, a better player. I’m really looking forward to representing the school, and I know coop is as well.”
“So many of my friends that I had met there will be lifelong friends,” Kupp said. “The coaches that spent so much time pouring into me, I truly was built during that time. In terms of all the things I do now, all the tools now were taught by the receiver coaches I had at Eastern Washington, so, incredibly thankful for my time there.”
One man saw through their development: EWU head coach Aaron Best, who helped foster both players’ growths through his time in Cheney.
“I think they’re just wired different than most,” Best said. “They’re football junkies, they’re people junkies. They’re wanting-to-be-better-at-whatever-they’re-doing junkies. They make you feel better.”
Both these receivers mirrored operation in practice and during the real deal.
“They did it the same way when they kept score on Saturdays,” Best said. “Like, you just looked at their mannerisms, the way they attacked, the way they addressed the situation. Their verbals and non-verbals, it didn’t matter if the world was watching or not, they did it the same way.”
“I’m going out there, and I’m trying to practice as hard as I can, because I know those practice opportunities will lead to game opportunities and lead to game success as I continue to try and develop that,” Chism said.
Now the pair get ready for the biggest games yet, one more ride for a title in duel number one between the student and master.
“Remembering where you came from and the relationships that you had there, it was a very special time,” Kupp said.
“I think it’s kinda cool, but kinda awkward that you’re rooting for both but not rooting for one more than the other, and they happen to sit on separate sidelines,” Best said.
Super Bowl LX kicks off between the Seahawks and New England Patriots this Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
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