Edgerrin Cooper Bio
Edgerrin Cooper (born November 17, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies, where he earned recognition as a consensus All-American in 2023. The Green Bay Packers selected Cooper in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 45th overall pick. He has quickly established himself as a defensive playmaker, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice during his rookie season and being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Early Life and Background
Edgerrin Cooper was born in Covington, Louisiana, on November 17, 2001. His parents named him after former NFL running back Edgerrin James, who enjoyed a distinguished career with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. Cooper grew up in Covington and attended Covington High School, where his athletic talents began to attract attention.
During his senior season at Covington High School, Cooper showcased his defensive prowess by recording 118 tackles, including 22 tackles for a loss. He also added two sacks and demonstrated his versatility by scoring five touchdowns on offense. His outstanding high school performance earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to the NFL
Following his impressive high school career, Cooper received interest from multiple college programs. He ultimately decided to commit to Texas A&M University, joining the Aggies football program in 2020. This decision marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a professional athlete in the NFL.
Cooper redshirted during the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He appeared in two games that year, recording two tackles. The following season in 2021, Cooper experienced a breakout year, accumulating 58 tackles with 5.5 going for a loss, half a sack, one pass deflection, and one interception. His performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, signaling his potential as a future defensive star.
Edgerrin Cooper Career
Texas A&M Years (2020–2023)
Cooper continued to develop his skills during the 2022 season with the Aggies. He finished that year with 61 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five pass deflections, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. A memorable moment came in the 2022 season finale against LSU, where Cooper forced a fumble and helped Texas A&M secure a victory to end their season on a high note.
The 2023 season proved to be Cooper’s most impactful college year. He returned to College Station as one of the Aggies’ top defenders and delivered a standout performance against Alabama. In that game, Cooper recorded 11 tackles with three going for a loss and an impressive three sacks. His dominant play throughout the 2023 season earned him consensus All-American honors and first-team All-SEC recognition, solidifying his status as one of the top linebackers in college football.
Green Bay Packers Era (2024–Present)
Cooper’s impressive college career caught the attention of NFL scouts, and the Green Bay Packers selected him with the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract with the Packers on May 23, 2024, officially beginning his professional football journey.
Cooper made his NFL debut and quickly found his footing at the professional level. He earned his first start in Week 8 of the 2024 season and delivered a standout performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cooper recorded eight tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup in the 30–27 victory, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
After missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury, Cooper returned in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. He made an immediate impact with seven tackles (team-leading), two tackles for loss, one sack, two pass deflections, and one interception off Seahawks backup quarterback Sam Howell in the 30–13 win. This performance earned him his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week award of the season. For his rookie achievements, Cooper was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Cooper has established himself as an aggressive and physical linebacker with a nose for the football. His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage and disrupt opposing offenses. He demonstrates exceptional closing speed and tackles effectively in space. His pass-rushing ability, particularly evident in his three-sack performance against Alabama, translates well to the NFL game. Cooper also shows strong coverage skills, evidenced by his interception against Seattle and his multiple pass deflections.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cooper’s rookie season featured several memorable moments, including his dramatic Week 8 performance against Jacksonville that earned him his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. His return from injury against Seattle showcased his resilience and ability to make game-changing plays. Being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team recognized his immediate impact on one of the NFL’s historic franchises. His two Defensive Player of the Week awards tied him for the most among rookie linebackers in 2024.
Edgerrin Cooper Career Statistics
Cooper has compiled impressive defensive statistics through his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game is reflected in his production across various statistical categories. As of the 2025 season, he has established himself as a key contributor to the Packers defense.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
In his rookie season (2024), Cooper recorded 205 total tackles, demonstrating his reliability as a tackler in the middle of the Packers defense. He accumulated 4 sacks, showcasing his ability to pressure quarterbacks. His impact on turnovers was significant, with 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. Cooper also contributed in coverage with 8 pass deflections and 1 interception, displaying his versatility in all aspects of the linebacker position.
Career Summary
Through his first NFL season, Cooper established himself as one of the most promising young linebackers in the league. His 205 tackles led all rookie linebackers, and his two NFC Defensive Player of the Week awards highlighted his ability to make game-changing plays. His selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team confirmed that he was among the best first-year performers in the NFL during the 2024 season.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Green Bay Packers | 205 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
2025 Season Performance
Cooper entered the 2025 season with elevated expectations following his impressive rookie campaign. The Packers coaching staff focused on expanding his role within the defensive scheme, utilizing his athleticism and football IQ in various alignments. His chemistry with the defensive coaching staff continued to develop, allowing him to make more presnap reads and adjustments.
Throughout the 2025 season, Cooper maintained his reputation as a hard-hitting linebacker who rarely misses tackles. His presence in the middle of the defense provided stability for the Packers front seven. The coaching staff praised his work ethic and his continued growth as a leader in the locker room. His ability to contribute against both the run and pass made him a three-down player for Green Bay.
The outlook for Cooper remains highly positive as he continues his NFL career. At 24 years old, he represents a foundational piece of the Packers defense for years to come. His trajectory suggests he could develop into one of the premier linebackers in the league with continued development and experience at the professional level.