The 2022 University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 21 at Jeff's Catering in Brewer. To read about the full 2022 Induction Class, please click here.

Orono, Maine -- Stephen Cooper never really considered himself a superstar. While he worked hard to develop his skills on the football field, he is quick to credit much of his success to the dedicated coaches and teammates who helped him reach his potential.

Cooper is one of the most dominating defensive players in University of Maine football history. The two-time Division I-AA All-American, who went on to play nine seasons in the National Football League, has rightfully earned his place in the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame.

Cooper's ability to consistently impact the game from his linebacker position played a pivotal role in the Black Bears' unprecedented back-to-back national quarterfinal appearances in 2001 and 2002. The Wareham, Massachusetts, product was a consistently disruptive force as a run stopper and pass rusher from 1999-2002.

His efforts were instrumental in helping UMaine capture Atlantic 10 Conference championships in 2001 and 2002 when coach Jack Cosgrove's team twice advanced to the final eight.

Cooper, UMaine's top tackler for three consecutive seasons, was rewarded by sharing the A10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 2001 and winning it outright a year later. He twice claimed a spot on the AP Division I-AA All-America Team and earned recognition as a two-time semifinalist for the Buck Buchanan Award presented to the top defensive player at that level.

As a senior, Cooper racked up 121 tackles and 9 1/2 sacks before signing as a free agent in 1993 with the NFL's San Diego Chargers.

While at UMaine, Cooper amassed 374 tackles, including 57 tackles for a loss, with 25 sacks, along with seven interceptions.
 
It took a little bit of time for Cooper to find his niche in Orono. He got a look at quarterback and at free safety, but eventually wound up at his more familiar linebacker spot.

He counts himself fortunate to have been part of a dedicated group of players who were willing to put in the time in the weight room and the film room while learning from the coaching staff.

"We all held each other accountable and we all expected the best out of each other," Cooper said. "We practiced really hard and we put in the time."

He then enjoyed a lengthy and productive NFL career. Cooper played in 125 games from 2003-2011, all with the Chargers. He amassed 503 tackles, 9 1/2 sacks, eight forced fumbles, eight interceptions and five fumble recoveries.

"I really prided myself on the understanding of the game and understanding of my team on the defensive side of the ball," Cooper said.

"It wasn't about my physical ability," he said, "it was about me facilitating lining guys up, sacrificing myself for the betterment of the team."

He said he was blessed to share the field in San Diego with the likes of future Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, likely Hall of Fame choice Antonio Gates and Phillip Rivers. He was selected as a team captain for three years.

"They trusted me on what I did and what I brought as a leader," Cooper said. "That's something that was one of my favorite honors outside of any individual awards," Cooper said.

Cooper remained in San Diego, where he is a personal trainer. He also is the head football coach at Francis Parker School and also is involved with the San Diego Bolts of the American Youth Football organization.

He praised his parents, Roberta Cooper and Stephen Cooper Sr., and his extended family, including his aunt and uncle, Brenda and Walter Cooper, for giving him the kind of unwavering support he needed during his career.