Chris Cooley Biography

Christopher Ken Cooley, born on July 11, 1982, was an American professional football player who played as a tight end in the National Football League. He played college football at Utah State University and was chosen by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft. Cooley concluded his collegiate career with 95 receptions, totaling 1,255 receiving yards at an average of 13.2 yards per catch. During his senior year in 2003, he led the NCAA in receptions among tight ends. After limited playing time in the first half of the 2004 season, he increased his role in the final eight games, building a connection with quarterback Patrick Ramsey. In 2005, he recorded 71 receptions for 774 yards and seven touchdowns, including three in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, setting a new Redskins record for single-season receptions by a tight end. In 2006, he began the season slowly under the new offensive coordinator Al Saunders, who oversaw the team's play-calling.