Introduction: A Sudden Farewell from the NFL
On September 4, 2025, NFL star wide receiver Amari Cooper stunned the football world by announcing his retirement—just a few days before the 2025 season kickoff and only nine days after re-signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team that originally drafted him. Over a decade-long career spanning multiple top-tier teams, Cooper’s departure closes an accomplished chapter in NFL history.
1. Career Recap: Amari Cooper’s Journey from Draft to Retirement
Early Stardom at Alabama
Amari Cooper emerged from Alabama as one of college football’s premier receivers. A consensus All-American and recipient of the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award (2014), Cooper’s collegiate success made him a top prospect.
NFL Debut: Pick No. 4 by the Raiders
Selected 4th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, Cooper delivered early. He secured back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his rookie and sophomore years Wikipedia.
Mid-Career Moves: Cowboys, Browns, Bills
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Dallas Cowboys (2018–2021): Traded midway through 2018, Cooper revitalized his career with stellar performances and another Pro Bowl nod. In 2020, he signed a five-year, $100 million extension with $60 million guaranteed.
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Cleveland Browns (2022–2024): Traded to Cleveland in 2022, Cooper became the first Browns wide receiver to post multiple 1,000-yard seasons, including a standout 1,250-yard campaign in 2023.
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Buffalo Bills (2024): A midseason trade to Buffalo in October 2024 closed his playing time there, though he battled a wrist injury impacting performance.
Return to Raiders—and Retirement
On August 25, 2025, Cooper reunited with the Raiders on a one-year deal, expressing it was a meaningful “full-circle moment.” Yet, on September 4, just three days before their opener, he notified the team he no longer had the desire to continue playing, officially retiring at age 31.
2. Why Did He Retire? Exploring the Reason Behind the Decision
Lack of Desire to Play
Cooper’s retirement was attributed directly to a lack of desire and motivation rather than injury—he simply felt it was time to step away.
Conversations with Team Leadership
Raiders’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly revealed that Cooper reached out to head coach Pete Carroll, conveying his heartfelt decision. Kelly praised Cooper’s talent, calling him “a heck of a football player,” but acknowledged “he knows in his heart what he wants to do”
Impact on Raiders’ Offense
The abrupt exit left the Raiders thin at wide receiver heading into Week 1, prompting increased roles for Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and rookies Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech.
3. Did He Retire? Confirming the Facts
Yes, Amari Cooper officially retired on September 4, 2025, mere days before the Raiders began their season. Reports confirm he informed the team that he no longer had the desire to play, putting closure on his 10-season NFL journey.
4. Career Earnings: A Financial Legacy
Total Career Earnings
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According to OverTheCap, Cooper earned approximately $136,587,120 over his career—with an average yearly rate of $13.66 million.
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Spotrac reports a closely aligned figure of $136,692,228 through 2025 (includes regular-season earnings)—a reliable benchmark for his career total Spotrac.
Team-by-Team Earnings Breakdown
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Raiders (2015–2018): Earned approximately $22.6 million on his rookie contract.
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Cowboys: In his five-year extension, with a $20M/year average, cumulative earnings were significant.
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Browns & Bills: Continued lucrative paydays before wrapping up his career earnings in 2024.
Net Worth vs. Earnings
One site estimates Cooper’s net worth at around $45 million in 2025—substantially lower than his career earnings. It’s important to note that net worth accounts for taxes, investments, expenses, and lifestyle, explaining this difference.
5. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Date | September 4, 2025 |
| Reason for Retirement | No longer had the desire to play; personal decision |
| NFL Career Span | 10 seasons (2015–2025) |
| Teams Played For | Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, Bills, final Raiders return |
| Total Career Earnings | ~$136.6 million |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$45 million |
Conclusion
Amari Cooper’s retirement marks the end of a stellar 10-year career in the NFL. From his explosive rookie seasons with the Raiders to record-breaking moments with the Browns and stints across multiple teams, he leaves behind both statistical impact and financial success. His sultry decision to retire—just as he reunited with the Raiders—reflects the often-unseen emotional calculus athletes face. For fans, his legacy shines in five Pro Bowl selections, over 10,000 receiving yards, and a transparent departure that speaks volumes about his self-awareness.
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