In a surprising turn of events, Amari Cooper has decided to retire from the NFL, confirming that he will not be playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. This announcement was reported by NFL Media, detailing Cooper's choice to step away from professional football at the age of 31.
Just last week, Cooper made headlines by signing with the Raiders, marking a return to the franchise that originally drafted him as the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. His signing was anticipated as a significant move, especially after spending the offseason as a free agent. Cooper expressed his desire to return to the Raiders, stating that he felt he had “unfinished business” with the team and believed he still had “some juice left.”
Despite the excitement surrounding his return, reports from NFL Media's Tom Pelissero indicated that Cooper was having difficulty ramping up after rejoining the Raiders. This struggle ultimately contributed to his decision to retire from professional football, a move that has left many fans and analysts in shock.
Throughout his illustrious career, Amari Cooper played a total of 154 games, starting in 143 of them across four teams: the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. His performance peaked in 2023 when he achieved a career-high of 1,250 receiving yards while playing for the Cleveland Browns, a season that also saw the team reach the postseason with quarterback Joe Flacco.
In 2024, Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills midseason, where he continued to showcase his skills by catching 20 passes for 297 yards and scoring two touchdowns in just eight games. Over his career, Cooper recorded seven seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards, a testament to his consistent performance and talent.
Amari Cooper was a five-time Pro Bowler, earning this prestigious honor twice while with the Raiders, twice with the Cowboys, and once with the Browns. His ability to perform at a high level across multiple teams solidified his status as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.
As the NFL bids farewell to Amari Cooper, fans will remember him not only for his incredible statistics and achievements but also for the impact he made on the teams he played for. His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in his life and the NFL landscape.
