What began as a nostalgic return to the Las Vegas Raiders has quickly ended for wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Just weeks after rejoining the team, Cooper shocked fans and teammates alike by announcing he no longer wishes to play football and is officially retiring from the NFL.
A Storied Career Comes Full Circle
Cooper first entered the NFL spotlight as the Raiders’ fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
He played with Las Vegas until 2018, establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker.
After bouncing around a few teams, he came back last month on a one-year, $3.5 million deal, hoping to add veteran leadership to the Raiders’ receiving corps.
Nine Days That Changed Everything
In a stunning turn of events, Cooper decided to retire just nine days after signing.
At 31, he leaves the Raiders’ practice squad and a team that had been counting on his experience and energy.
“Trust me. I still got some juice left,” he told reporters during a press conference on August 26, leaving many to wonder why the change of heart.
Timing Adds to the Shock
The timing couldn’t be more unexpected. Cooper’s departure comes only three days before the Raiders’ season opener on the road against the New England Patriots, leaving the team scrambling to adjust.
A Career Marked by Trades and Transitions
Cooper’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster.
He was traded mid-season in 2018 to the Dallas Cowboys for a first-round pick that became Johnathan Abram.
Before the 2022 season, he moved to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick.
That same year, he was sent to the Buffalo Bills for a third- and seventh-round pick.
Near-Super Bowl Experience
Despite helping the Bills reach the playoffs, Cooper’s efforts fell short of a Super Bowl appearance.
Buffalo lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, after which Cooper found himself without a team—until the Raiders brought him back last month.
Career Highlights and Final Stats
Over his NFL career, Cooper surpassed 1,000 receiving yards six times, though his last two seasons failed to reach 300 yards.
His abrupt retirement leaves fans wondering what’s next for the former Alabama standout.
Will he pursue broadcasting, coaching, or something entirely different?