LONDON – In training camp, rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield's ability to work through things and grow caught the attention of veteran receiver Davante Adams.
Adams at that time said, "I feel like a proud dad watching him out there."
That pride likely surfaced again this past Sunday against the Jaguars as Mumpfield caught his first career touchdown in the Rams' 35-7 win at Wembley Stadium.
"It felt amazing," Mumpfield said. "I just got to thank God for putting me in that situation. I want to thank (head) coach (Sean) McVay, (quarterback Matthew) Stafford, the whole team, because it's a blessing for sure, especially over here in London, too."
According to Mumpfield, the play that resulted in the touchdown was one he scored on in practice, and based on the way the Jaguars set up their coverage, he felt like he had an opportunity on the ball from Stafford – a no-look pass in which Stafford used his eyes to redirect the safety and create the window to hit Mumpfield. He hit his defender with a slight jab, and the ball was there.
"I call Konata my son, just because he just reminds me so much of myself, as far as a young Tae," Adams said. "And honestly I think he's ahead of where I was my rookie year, as far as just being comfortable in the league. He's crazy coachable and he's got all the ability in the world. So whenever I'm done in there, he'll go and step up and he'll be catching a lot more touchdowns than what he did today."
Mumpfield's opportunities have been few and far between through the first seven weeks, primarily because of the experience ahead of him and the Rams' predominant reliance on wide receiver Puka Nacua and Adams as Stafford's top targets.
Whether or not Mumpfield has been on the field, though, he's had plenty of opportunities to learn from Adams.
"Really, just focusing on being the best version of myself," Mumpfield said of his approach in such a deep wide receiver room. "It's a blessing to be playing the game that we are today. So I mean, a lot of people wish they were in my shoes. So really, just taking a step at a time, a day at a time, stacking days, and learning as much as I can from those guys. Because, like I said, I mean, I prayed in college and in high school to learn from a guy like D Adams."
It's a special opportunity for Mumpfield, one he doesn't take for granted. And on Sunday, he put those teachings to good use.
"It's kind of just amazing," Mumpfield said. "Every time you step out there, you're like, 'Dang, you out there with a Hall of Famer.' And like I said, a guy that you watch just how he approaches the game and how smooth he is with his technique and everything."
