Just before the start of the 2017 NFL preseason, the Dallas Cowboys needed a quarterback to replace veteran back-up Kellen Moore, and Cooper Rush was called to blame following an impressive performance in the offseason.
He was signed in the 2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Arguably one of the smartest players in the NFL right now, Cooper Rush’s quick decision-making ability is an asset to the Dallas Cowboys and more than makes up for his average athleticism. His journey to the top level of American football was far from straightforward. Here are the highlights of his life and career so far.
Bio – Who is Cooper Rush?
Born November 21, 1993, Cooper Rush is a native of Charlotte, Michigan. His parents are Frances Rush and Matthew Rush. Cooper’s football career began at Lansing Catholic High School in Lansing, Michigan, a small school with just over 500 students. He quickly became the star player of his football team and later served as a starter for three years, leading the team to consecutive undefeated regular seasons.
Cooper threw for over 7,000 passing yards and had 80 touchdowns as well as over 1,400 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns. In his senior year, he received two coveted awards, including ESPN’s Gatorade Player of the Year award as well as the Associated Press’ Michigan Division 5/6 Division Player of the Year award. . Cooper’s record of 48 touchdowns in a season has yet to be broken by anyone.
With such impressive high school statistics, it is believed that Cooper received a number of offers from colleges, but instead he had to work very hard, attending camps at every school in the area before he could attract an offer from from Central Michigan University. Cooper had nailed the purse after CMU’s then offensive coordinator noticed how he was able to lift long passes during a rainy practice day.
CMU was not abandoned as Cooper enjoyed a highly successful college career. Although redshirted in his freshman year, he quickly earned the starting QB position by his second season and maintained it throughout his career. He was offered the role after impressing in his first game in season two where he came on for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The spotlight shone on Cooper Rush after his performance in their 2014 Bahamas Bowl game against Western Kentucky. His team had attempted to stage what would have been the biggest comeback in bowl history. Although they came up short, losing the match by a single point, Rush and his team were still praised for their performance which earned them an ESPY Award nomination for Best Game.
His team had started the game badly but suddenly picked up again in the fourth quarter where they trailed 7 points from 35 in the previous third quarter. In the dying seconds of the game, Rush completed a Hail Mary 45-yard pass that saw lead receiver Titus Davis score a touchdown that gave them two options, either kick for an extra point to send the game into overtime or opt for a two-point conversion. The team opted for the latter and, unfortunately, did not succeed.
Cooper Rush’s best season came in season three when he rushed for 3,848 total yards and 25 touchdowns, setting the school’s new single-season record. His college career ended with a total of 50 games played with 12,891 yards and 90 touchdowns.
Rush was just as good in academia as he was on the court. He earned a 3.89 GPA and earned a degree in Actuarial Science, which is one of the toughest career paths there is. Actuarial science uses mathematical and statistical methods to predict risk in industries, especially insurance and finance. Cooper Rush went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft but was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.
His height, weight and measurements
If a list of average sports players in the NFL were to be made, Cooper Rush would definitely make that list. His NFL Draft profile describes his build as “an awkward body with very little muscle definition.” He weighs 225 pounds and stands at a height of 6 feet 3 inches.
Rush reached a very tall height very quickly, as early as high school Rush was already 6ft 3in tall. Cooper makes up for his less athletic build with a quick wit.