More than a week after his first NFL touchdown, the story keeps getting better for Konata Mumpfield.
With a record of 5-2, the Los Angeles Rams had the open date to bask in their International Series win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The rookie out of Pitt caught one of five Matthew Stafford touchdown tosses in that victory.
Since?
The veteran who reeled in three others, Davante Adams, showered praise on his understudy at the postgame podium.
"He reminds me so much of myself. A young Tae. He's ahead of where I was my rookie year," the two-time NFL leader in receiving touchdowns said of his rookie teammate, a former two-star recruit whose only FBS offer was Akron. "He's got all the ability in the world. So as far as whenever I am done in there, he will go and step up, and he will be catching a lot more touchdowns than he did today."
When he does, Mumpfield has a deep reserve of dance moves for the end zone. In fact, he takes credit for the viral celebration that had Wembley – and soccer aficionados around the world – buzzing.
"I was the one who set up the Siuuu," he told us on this week's Rams Revealed. While the Rams were practicing in Baltimore, Mumpfield was rallying his receiver room to be prepared to emulate the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo celebration.
"I was telling them all week, we're going to London… I didn't think I was going to score," he admitted. "Honestly, it was a goal of mine to do that overseas. Just because of how much they love soccer. I knew if you would do it in (Wembley), the whole crowd would say it."
He was right.
Mumpfield, who embraces the nickname, "The Apprentice," courtesy of wide receivers coach Eric Yarber, then had the week off to celebrate a 23rd birthday with his family in the Atlanta metro area. Back to work here in Week 9, he'll continue to absorb wisdom from the "Sensei," as he and Adams are reunited with Puka Nacua, who returns from an ankle injury this Sunday versus the New Orleans Saints.
It's the first of three home games in the month ahead – in fact LA does not leave the state until after Thanksgiving – as the Rams look to repeat as NFC West champions.
Full episodes of Rams Revealed are available on YouTube or in audio format wherever you get your podcasts. Get tickets to see the Rams at SoFi Stadium here.
