Cooper Rush

Born on November 21, 1993, Cooper Robert Rush is a renowned American professional football player, currently recognized for his role as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). His illustrious career began on the football fields of Central Michigan where he played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas. Eventually, in 2017, the Dallas Cowboys offered him a role within the team, not as a draft but as an undrafted free agent.

Rush’s early life was deeply rooted in his hometown of Charlotte, Michigan, where he primed himself for his future professional career by attending Lansing Catholic High School. The school, home to approximately 500 learners at the time, was where Rush first asserted his sporting prowess and became a three-year quarterback starter for the school’s football team.

Outside the football locker room, Rush also showcased athletic versatility by participating in basketball and playing baseball up until his freshman year. His leading role on the football pitch was solidified in 2010 and 2011 when he led his team to accomplish two consecutive undefeated regular seasons. In 2011, he steered his team to the verge of glory by earning them a state runner-up title.

His skill was notably apparent in a Division 5 regional championship game playing against Dowagiac Union High School when Rush set Michigan state records with an incredible five touchdown passes in one quarter, and eight overall for one game. Despite the record-breaking performance, his team was ultimately defeated by Powers Catholic High School in the finals with a score of 56–26.

Rush’s high school exploits included All-State, the Associated Press’ Michigan Division 5/6 Player of the Year, and ESPN’s Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year. He also showed impressive statistics with 7,248 passing yards, 80 touchdown passes, 1,438 rushing yards, and 27 rushing touchdowns under his belt. Despite his achievements, colleges didn’t come knocking immediately. Only Central Michigan and Toledo offered scholarships, meanwhile Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Western Michigan offered preferred walk-on positions.

During his redshirt season at Central Michigan, Rush was named the school’s Scout Team Player of the Year. He began his first year as the third-string quarterback but soon got promoted to starter due to injuries. Notably, in one game, he made a comeback in the second quarter that ended in a 24–21 victory, scoring 326 passing yards and three touchdowns. He held onto the starting position and never missed a start after that.

Rush’s most remarkable college season was his junior year, where he accumulated 3,703 passing yards in the first 13 games, breaking the school’s single-season record. As a senior, his production dipped, concluding his college career with 49 straight starts, 12,894 passing yards, and 90 touchdowns.

His transition to the NFL was slightly rocky, with many projecting him to be a seventh-round pick or an undrafted free agent. He participated in the NFL Combine but failed to impress scouts with his performance. Nevertheless, he was eventually signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017.

His NFL career began with fruitful preseason performances, cementing his position as the third quarterback. He remained healthy, played backup, and only made appearances at the end of secured wins. Despite never throwing a pass, he maintained his place in the roster. In 2020, he was eventually waived by the Cowboys but was quickly claimed by the New York Giants. This didn’t last long, and by October of that year, Rush was back with the Cowboys, providing depth after injuries to the starter and backup quarterback.

In the 2021 NFL season, Rush was finally named the starter for the Cowboys in a match against the Minnesota Vikings, after Prescott was sidelined with an injury, marking his first NFL start. He led the team to a 20–16 road victory. In 2022, he was signed to the active roster to start in the place of an injured Dak Prescott and led the team to victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. He later guided the team to subsequent victories against the Giants and the Washington Commanders, setting a franchise record of winning his first five starts.

Off the field, Rush leads a quiet and personal life. He is happily married and is a father to a daughter. He continues to play an instrumental role in the Dallas Cowboys, seizing every opportunity to exhibit his exceptional skills on the football field.