Former wide receiver Riley Cooper played in the prestigious National Football League (NFL) for six seasons, showing admirable strength and endurance. Prior to that, Cooper was very active in college football and had good placings, which certainly had a part in his coming to the NFL, where he was consistently impressive. In 2017, Cooper threw in the towel in the NFL. Although the reason for his said resignation remains very vague to this day, Cooper’s name will not be forgotten in the league for a long time to come. Here are some less-known facts about the former NFL player.
Riley Cooper Bio, Age
He was born on September 8, 1987, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Cooper’s encounter with American football began at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, where he played football and baseball for his school team. He had an admirable record in high school football; not only was he captain of the team in his senior year, but he also received All-State honors and free safety and was voted All-County three times. Cooper was also good at soccer and baseball. After his remarkable involvement in baseball, he was drafted in the 15th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft, but he declined to do so and chose football where most of his interest lay.
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In 2006, Cooper went to the University of Florida on a scholarship to play for the Florida Gators. After an outstanding performance in his first year of play, in which he scored 92 yards with 4 receptions and 3 touchdowns, he was nominated for the SEC Freshman of the Week. His 2007 sophomore season was also very impressive; he made two starts of 10 performances in 10 games. By the end of his second year, Cooper had run 182 yards, caught eight passes, and scored two touchdowns. In his rookie season, he appeared in 14 games and scored 261 yards in 18 receptions with 9 touchdowns.
Riley Cooper began his professional career when he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was the 159th overall selection. Cooper then signed a four-year contract with the team in July 2010. His 2010 season ended with a total of 116 yards in seven receptions and one touchdown.
In his 2012 season, Riley suffered an injury and missed some of his games. He later returned mid-season and finished the season with a total of 248 yards in 23 receptions and three touchdowns. In the 2013 season, Cooper made a full recovery with an impressive 835 yards with 47 receptions and 8 touchdowns. Cooper’s time on the team ended in the 2015 season after suffering a foot injury. After a very poor performance, he was dismissed from the team and was not selected by any other player. The following year he voluntarily retired from the NFL.
Riley Cooper Net Worth
Riley Cooper retired from the NFL early, but he made a lot of money during his active time. It is worth remembering that in his 2014 season with the Eagles Coopers, his contract was extended by five years for $25 million, and $8 million was guaranteed.
In 2015, the former NFL player earned a whopping $4 million in base pay – the highest he has ever earned per year in his entire career. He may not be a current NFL player, but Cooper certainly lives a comfortable life. The total value of his assets is not tied to a specific number.
Family – Parents, Siblings
Riley was born to his parents, Larry Cooper to his father, and Monica Cooper to his mother. Not much is known about the family of the former NFL player. He has a younger sister Lindsey, who was also active in sports. Linsey played football for the Florida Gator’s women’s team at the University of Florida. The Coopers were certainly sports enthusiasts.
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Personal Life – Wife, Girlfriend
Riley Cooper may seem controversial to many, but the former NFL player reserves a sweet spot in his heart for his love life. Unfortunately, Riley is notoriously private with his personal life, and not much is known about his love life. Although he has been seen with several women, Cooper has not confirmed any relationship rumors as true or false. He is currently married to no one.
Other Facts You Should Know about Riley Cooper
He is Controversial
Riley Cooper almost went down in history as the most controversial NFL player. In the locker room, his spirited and fearless personality always attracted attention.
He was suspended from the NFL
For those who are still wondering why Cooper left the NFL early: this is the reason. Riley was thrown out after being caught on camera with racist insults after a Kenny Chesney concert on June 9, 2013. The world of sports has zero tolerance for racism, and Cooper was used as a scapegoat.
An undisclosed fine was imposed on him and he was released from team activities. He was also charged with sensitization training. Although he apologized for his lack of sensitivity, Cooper’s actions left scars on many African American NFL players. He was dismissed by the Philadelphia Eagles and was not taken on by any other team. This seemed to be the reason for his early retirement from the NFL.
