In what can only be described as a sudden volte-face, Amari Cooper, the Las Vegas Raiders' newly re-signed wide receiver, has decided to hang up his cleats for good. Just over a week after inking a one-year contract with the Raiders, Cooper's pivot to retirement leaves fans and the franchise equally stunned. 8 News Now reported the initial announcement, noting Cooper's decision to end a prominent ten-year career in the NFL.
After reuniting with the Raiders at the end of camp on a $3.5 million deal, Cooper communicated his lack of desire to continue playing football to the team. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, missing no beats, reported that Cooper "informed the team he no longer has the desire to play," professing his intention to retire, according to a post obtained by 8 News Now.
In his decade-long tenure, the 31-year-old has been associated with four franchises, notched up five Pro Bowl selections, and has caught 711 passes for 10,033 yards alongside 64 touchdowns, as reported by 8 News Now. Drafted fourth overall back in 2015 by the then-Oakland Raiders, Cooper's journey through the NFL saw stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills.
While news of Cooper's retirement has undoubtedly been abrupt, the sentiment within the Raiders team is one of respect for his decision. "It’s unfortunate because I think the world of him,” Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, reflecting the feelings of a franchise, told reporters about a player he admired. He added, “I think he’s a heck of a football player. He’s had a heck of an NFL career, but he knows in his heart what he wants to do, so I wish him the best. I’ve always been a big fan of his,” as per a statement obtained by AP News.
Cooper's last active season was split between Browns and Bills, bringing in a total of 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns. His aspirations, stated during last week's interactions with the media, were steely focused on proving he still belonged among the upper echelon of receivers in the league.
