Amari Cooper shocks NFL fans by retiring after 10-year career, just days after Raiders reunion

When fans thought they were getting a throwback reunion, Amari Cooper decided to call it quits instead. The star wide receiver, who had just signed a one-year deal to return to the Las Vegas Raiders, announced his retirement from the NFL on September 4, ending a career that spanned ten seasons.

The news stunned both fans and analysts, especially since his comeback to the team that drafted him had been hyped up only weeks ago.

Amari Cooper retires just days after returning to the Raiders

The Raiders drafted Cooper back in 2015 with the No. 4 overall pick, and after years apart, he made his way back to Vegas this summer on a one-year deal. Fans were buzzing about the nostalgia of finally seeing Cooper in silver and black again. But before the season opener even arrived, the 30-year-old wideout shocked everyone by telling the team he was stepping away from football for good.

For Raiders fans, it feels like whiplash. One moment you’re planning on seeing him alongside Davante Adams, and the next, you’re hearing he won’t suit up at all.

Earlier rumors of retirement were once debunked, but now it’s official

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time “Amari Cooper retirement” headlines hit social media. Just a few months ago, a parody account went viral after falsely claiming Cooper had walked away from football. At that time, the news was quickly debunked and Cooper was still very much in the league.

But now? This time it’s real. Multiple outlets confirmed that Cooper told the Raiders he won’t play this season. It’s almost poetic after fans rolled their eyes at fake rumors earlier this year, they’re now processing the fact that he truly is done.

Looking back at Amari Cooper’s 10-year NFL career

Cooper leaves behind a resume most receivers would envy. Drafted by the Raiders, traded to the Cowboys, shining with the Browns, and finally making a short-lived return to Vegas, he built a reputation as one of the league’s smoothest route runners.

He made five Pro Bowls, racked up over 9,700 receiving yards, and scored 60+ touchdowns across ten seasons. Never the loudest player in the locker room, Cooper instead let his precise routes and quiet consistency do the talking.The timing of this decision makes things tough for the Raiders. Cooper wasn’t expected to be their WR1, that role still belongs to Davante Adams but his veteran presence and reliable hands were seen as a major asset for a team needing depth. Without him, the Raiders will now lean more heavily on Jakobi Meyers and a young group of receivers to fill the gap.Also read - Pregnant mistress exposes Chargers’ Mekhi Becton with $42K transactions, drug allegations & bizarre underwear photo