From Linebacker to Leader: Ketner Kupp and a Three-Generation Football Legacy

Basic Information

Early Life and Athletic Roots

Ketner Kupp was born into football’s warm glow and hard edges. Raised in Yakima, Washington, he grew up in a household where handoffs and halftime talks were as common as homework and dinner. His grandfather, Jake Kupp, carved out a 14-year NFL career as an offensive lineman, most famously with New Orleans. His father, Craig, reached the league as a quarterback in 1990. In that ecosystem of playbooks and persistence, Ketner’s path began to take shape.

At A.C. Davis High School, he forged the frame of a linebacker—quick to read, quick to close, reliable in the tackle. The habits matched the heritage: show up early, compete honestly, and invest in your teammates. That foundation carried him to Eastern Washington University, where his college years would sharpen both his instincts and his leadership.

Eastern Washington Years (2015–2018): Leadership by the Numbers

At EWU, Ketner became a defensive metronome—steady, smart, and relentless. He appeared in 33 games and started 13, a journey culminating in a standout senior season in 2018 when the Eagles surged to the FCS National Championship game. That year, he wore the captain’s mantle and played like one.

Senior season snapshot:

• 115 total tackles
• 5.5 tackles for loss
• 1 interception (returned 95 yards for a touchdown)
• Team Defensive MVP
• Captain of a squad that finished as FCS national runner-up

Across his career, he surpassed 150 total tackles, with the senior campaign anchoring his résumé. Beyond the counting stats, his value showed up on film: proper fits, crisp angles, and an economy of steps that made his production look inevitable. He embodied the cliché every coach loves because he made it true—be where you’re supposed to be, on time and on target.

A Brief Pro Chapter (2019): Rams and Camp Experience

The dream crackled to life in May 2019 when Ketner signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. It was a rare family double—sharing an NFL locker room with his older brother, Cooper. Preseason snaps followed, along with the lessons that only the game at its highest level can provide: speed of reads, violence of contact, the razor-thin margins.

He was waived before the regular season but continued to knock on the league’s door, earning an invitation to a San Francisco 49ers camp. While his professional playing career didn’t extend into the regular season, the experience became a passport to his next vocation.

Coaching at Pacific Lutheran University (2021–present): Building Defenses

By 2021, Ketner had pivoted from player to teacher, joining Pacific Lutheran University’s staff in Tacoma, Washington. Starting as the linebackers coach, he was later elevated to Defensive Coordinator, where he began architecture of a different kind: systems, standards, and a culture that travels.

In Division III football, there’s no pretense—only players, plans, and the work. Ketner’s defenses emphasize accountability and effort, defensively fast football that seeks to win with angles and discipline more than brute force.

Coaching pillars he champions:

• Relentless pursuit to the ball and clean tackling techniques
• Simple, sound structure that lets players play fast
• Clear communication, on the field and in the film room
• Player development as a holistic mission—strength, smarts, and leadership
• Recruiting athletes who love competition and fit the program’s values

His social media and public appearances reflect the ethos: promote the program, celebrate his players, keep the attention where it belongs.

Family Ties That Bind

The Kupps are a football family with deep roots and wide branches. They are among a small number of three-generation NFL families, a lineage that threads from the line of scrimmage to the quarterback’s pocket and into today’s modern passing game.

Numbers and Milestones: A Timeline

The Craft: What Makes Ketner’s Approach Distinct

Every coach has a signature. Ketner’s blends lineage with modern sensibilities. He teaches linebackers the art of leverage and how to turn chaos into math: count hats, win leverage, close space. As a coordinator, he favors clean rules that reduce hesitation. The design is pragmatic, but the heart of it is old-school—play hard, play together, and let your fundamentals carry you when the scheme gets muddy.

He’s also a communicator. Players describe clarity and consistency—standards that don’t fluctuate. Recruits see a coach who tells the truth about the grind and the upside of being pushed. It’s the kind of quiet leadership that rarely trends but often wins.

Financial and Public Profile Snapshot

Unlike the flashier corners of the sport, Ketner’s lane comes with modest financial headlines. Division III coaching salaries are typically conservative, and his brief NFL stint was at the entry level. What he’s building is value of a different kind—one measured in developed players, cohesive units, and the long arc of a coaching career.

FAQ

Who is Ketner Kupp?

Ketner Kupp is a former Eastern Washington linebacker and current Defensive Coordinator at Pacific Lutheran University.

Where did he play college football?

He played at Eastern Washington University from 2015 to 2018.

Did he play in the NFL?

He signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and later received a camp invite from the 49ers.

What are his notable college achievements?

In 2018, he captained EWU’s FCS runner-up team, posted 115 tackles, and was named the team’s Defensive MVP.

How is he related to Cooper Kupp?

Cooper is his older brother, an NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP.

Who are his parents and grandfather?

His father, Craig, is a former NFL quarterback; his grandfather, Jake, played 14 NFL seasons as an offensive lineman.

Is he married and does he have children?

He is married to former EWU soccer player M’Kenna Hayes, and they have twin daughters born in October 2021.

What is his coaching focus at PLU?

He emphasizes fast, disciplined defense, player development, and a culture of accountability.

How tall is he and what did he weigh as a player?

He stands 6’0” and played around 225 pounds.

Is he active on social media?

Yes, but his posts focus on coaching, team updates, and family rather than personal publicity.