University of Maine Athletics

Cooper earned Associated Press All-American status as a linebacker for the Black Bears in 2002. One of Maine's most impressive defensive players of all-time, Cooper was named Atlantic-10 co-defensive player of the year in 2001 before earning the award outright in 2002. He was twice named a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, an annual accolade presented to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (DI-AA), finishing fifth in the voting in 2002. In his career with the Black Bears, Cooper amassed 374 tackles, 57 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and 25 sacks. Following his time at Maine, Cooper was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers. He spent nine seasons with the Chargers, ending his NFL career with 503 tackles, 9.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and eight interceptions.