Did Amari Cooper Retire?

Amari Cooper (born June 17, 1994) is a former American professional football wide receiver who played 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). A five-time Pro Bowler and former first-round draft pick, Cooper announced his retirement on September 4, 2025, just nine days after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team that originally drafted him.

Cooper was born in Miami, Florida, and attended the University of Alabama, where he won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver in 2014. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 4th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and immediately made an impact, becoming the first rookie in franchise history to reach 1,000 receiving yards.

Throughout his career, Cooper was known for his consistency and route-running ability. He played for five different teams: the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (twice), Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills. Despite his success, Cooper's career was marked by frequent trades, as teams often moved him due to salary cap considerations.

Cooper's final season in 2024 was particularly challenging. He struggled with the Cleveland Browns' struggling offense before being traded to the Buffalo Bills mid-season. His production dropped significantly, and he dealt with injuries. After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Raiders in August 2025 but announced his retirement just days later, citing a loss of desire to continue playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Amari Cooper retire?
Amari Cooper retired because he informed the Las Vegas Raiders that he no longer had the desire to play football. This decision came just nine days after signing a one-year contract with the team. Raiders coach Pete Carroll stated that "the timing wasn't right for him" and that Cooper "didn't feel like he was ready to do it." The decision was described as sudden and unexpected, occurring just days before the 2025 season opener.

What were Amari Cooper's career statistics?
Amari Cooper finished his 10-year NFL career with 711 receptions, 10,033 receiving yards, and 64 touchdowns. He had seven seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and was selected to five Pro Bowls. His career earnings totaled over $136 million, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history.

Which teams did Amari Cooper play for?
Cooper played for five different teams during his career: the Oakland Raiders (2015-2018), Dallas Cowboys (2018-2022), Cleveland Browns (2022-2024), Buffalo Bills (2024), and Las Vegas Raiders (2025). He was traded three times during his career, which is unusual for a player of his caliber.

What was Amari Cooper's best season?
Cooper's best statistical season came in 2019 with the Dallas Cowboys, when he recorded 79 receptions for 1,189 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, his most memorable performance was in 2023 with the Browns, when he set a franchise record with 265 receiving yards in a single game against the Houston Texans.

Why was Amari Cooper traded so often?
Cooper was traded three times during his career, primarily due to salary cap considerations. Despite being a productive receiver, his large contracts made him a target for teams looking to create cap space. The Cowboys traded him to Cleveland to avoid paying his $20 million salary, and the Browns traded him to Buffalo for similar financial reasons.