Cooper Robert Rush Bio
Cooper Robert Rush is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). He began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017 after playing college football at Central Michigan University.
Early Life and Background
Cooper Rush was born on November 21, 1993, in Charlotte, Michigan. He attended Lansing Catholic High School in Lansing, Michigan, where he was a three-year starting quarterback. During his high school career, Rush also played basketball and baseball before focusing on football. He led his team to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in 2010 and 2011 and set Michigan state records with five touchdown passes in one quarter and eight in a single game during a regional championship.
As a senior, Rush earned several honors including All-State recognition, Associated Press’ Michigan Division 5/6 Player of the Year, and ESPN’s Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year. He finished high school with 7,248 passing yards and 80 touchdowns, along with 1,438 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. Despite his success, he received limited scholarship offers, ultimately committing to Central Michigan University.
Path to American Football
Rush redshirted his first year at Central Michigan and was named the Scout Team Player of the Year. He became the starting quarterback early in his freshman season after an injury to the starter and never lost the position. Over his college career, Rush set school records including a single-season passing yards record of 3,703 yards in 2015 and finished with 12,894 passing yards and 90 touchdowns.
He participated in the 2017 East–West Shrine Game and received an invitation to the NFL Combine, where his performance was considered underwhelming. Despite this, he was ranked the 14th best quarterback prospect by NFLDraftScout.com and entered the 2017 NFL Draft but went undrafted.
Cooper Robert Rush Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Rush signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He competed for the third-string quarterback role and impressed during preseason games, leading to his placement as the Cowboys’ third quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Kellen Moore. He made his NFL debut in 2017, appearing late in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
In 2018 and 2019, Rush served primarily as a backup and saw limited playing time. He was the backup quarterback for the Cowboys but did not attempt any passes in the games he appeared in during these seasons.
New York Giants and Return to Dallas Cowboys (2020–2024)
In 2020, Rush was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants but was waived and released from their practice squad within the same year. He re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys later in 2020, initially joining the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster and eventually became the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott.
Rush earned his first NFL start in 2021 and led the Cowboys to a comeback victory against the Minnesota Vikings. In 2022, he started multiple games due to Prescott’s injury, winning his first four starts and setting a franchise record for consecutive wins to start a career. He re-signed with the Cowboys in 2023 on a two-year contract and continued to serve as a backup and occasional starter through the 2024 season.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025–Present)
In March 2025, Cooper Rush signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens worth $6.2 million, with potential earnings up to $12.2 million. Early in the 2025 season, Rush was named the starting quarterback after Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury. His debut start for the Ravens was challenging, with multiple interceptions, and he was subsequently replaced by Tyler Huntley in the following game.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cooper Rush is known for his resilience and ability to step up as a reliable backup quarterback. His college career demonstrated strong passing accuracy and leadership, while his NFL tenure has highlighted his capacity to manage games effectively and lead comeback drives under pressure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rush set a Dallas Cowboys franchise record by winning his first four NFL starts. He also holds a Central Michigan record for seven touchdown passes in a bowl game. His transition from undrafted free agent to NFL starter exemplifies his perseverance and skill development.
Cooper Robert Rush Career Wins
Dallas Cowboys Highlights
During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, Rush earned multiple wins as a starter, including a notable comeback victory in his first NFL start. He achieved a franchise record by winning his first four starts and contributed to the team’s success during periods when the starting quarterback was injured.
Other Wins & Performances
Rush’s collegiate career was marked by significant achievements, including leading Central Michigan to a near-historic bowl game comeback and setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns. His professional wins have primarily come as a backup stepping into starting roles when needed.
Cooper Robert Rush Family
Personal Life
Cooper Rush is married and has a daughter. Further personal details remain private.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Cooper Rush joined the Baltimore Ravens and was named the starting quarterback following an injury to Lamar Jackson. His initial performances were mixed, including a challenging debut with multiple interceptions. The Ravens subsequently made a quarterback change, highlighting the competitive nature of the position. Rush’s contract through 2027 reflects the team’s investment in his potential as a valuable depth player and possible future starter.