Chris Cooley retires

[Dutch 874]

Chris Cooley retires, will join Redskins radio broadcasts

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000218098/article/chris-cooley-retires-will-join-redskins-radio-broadcasts

 

It's rare to see any NFL player stay with one franchise throughout his whole career. Chris Cooley neatly pulled off the trick with the Washington Redskins, and now he's going to work for the organization again.

 

Mark Maske and Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post report that Cooley will retire from the NFL and join the Redskins' radio broadcasts as an analyst this season. An official announcement could come as early as later Tuesday.

 

A two-time Pro Bowler, Cooley played nine seasons in Washington. He was cut before training camp last season, but re-joined the team during the season. Cooley said publicly this offseason he was only interested in returning to the field if it was for Washington, but the Redskins saw him fitting into their broadcast team rather than their 53-man roster. Cooley will not replace legend Sam Huff in the broadcast booth, instead providing periodic analysis throughout the game.

 

Cooley was one of the most consistent receiving tight ends of his generation, gaining between 700-850 yards five times in six years. Knee surgeries caught up to him in his final years, but he was the most reliable offensive player on teams that struggled to move the ball. He will also be remembered fondly as one of the first NFL players to fully embrace the internet, growing a loyal fanbase just by intereacting and being himself.

 

Anyone that can grow an afro like this and tries to negotiate beer in his contract deserves our eternal respect.

 

Chris Cooley had a very solid career. He had several seasons where he was a top receiving threat at the TE position. He definitely was a play maker throughout his career. He did the Redskins a great service.

[BradyFan81 404]

This is kind of shocking to me. Was this expected to happen or...?

[RazorStar 4,025]

Cooley was a shell o his former self later in his career, injuries got to him and he was never the same.

[KempBolt 498]

This is kind of shocking to me. Was this expected to happen or...?

 

Yeah the writing has kind of been on the wall now for a little while.

 

It's a bummer... I always liked Cooley. I think he'll be a good broadcaster. He's a pretty funny guy.

[Bay 2,003]

Solid TE to watch over the years.

[theMileHighGuy 656]

Always liked Cooley, he's been hurting for a long time. He was fun to watch for the majority of his career, glad his future was taken care of by the organization.

[BC 331]

Now he can play fantasy football and not worry about beating himself.

[DCskinz75 8]

Good for him! Truly a great player, and one of my favorites. He was just one of those players that got taken out by injury. But otherwise a great guy & a good team player.. Happy he's sticking around with the Skinz! HTTR!!!!!