Amari Cooper announces NFL retirement just days after Raiders reunion

Amari Cooper, a 31-year-old wide receiver, has announced his retirement from the NFL just days after he signed a one-year contract to return to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The decision was made before the start of the 2025 NFL season. The retirement decision was sudden and unexpected. Cooper reportedly informed the Raiders that he no longer had the “desire to play” football.

This is not the first time “Amari Cooper retirement” news has surfaced. Earlier this year, a false rumour circulated, but this time, multiple sources have confirmed the news.

The Route Runner has played 10 seasons with four different teams: the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills.

Cooper achieved massive stats, including seven seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and five Pro Bowl selections. He finished his career with 64 touchdowns and 10,033 receiving yards.

While signing a contract with the Raiders, Cooper said, “Trust me, I still have some juice left.”

“I always kind of had it in the back of my mind because when I was drafted here, I felt the expectations were high… I felt like at times I showered flashes of doing that, but it wasn’t to my expectations. This time around, I feel like I have unfinished business.”

Chip Kelly, the offensive coordinator from the Raiders, also commented on the retirement of Cooper, “It’s unfortunate because I think the world of him. I think he’s a heck of a football player. He’s had a heck of a career, but he knows in his heart what he wants to do, so I wish him the best. I’ve always been a big fan of his.”

How many years has Amari Cooper been in the NFL?

Amari Cooper played 10 seasons for four teams: the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills.