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Amari Cooper, one of the most polished wide receivers of his era, announced his retirement from the NFL on September 4, 2025, just before the start of the new season. At the time of his retirement, the Miami-born star had a net worth of $50 million, built through a decade of elite performance, lucrative contracts, and endorsement deals. Known for his precise route running and consistency, Cooper finished his career with over 10,000 receiving yards, 711 catches, and 64 touchdowns, achievements that firmly place him among the best receivers of his generation.
Early Life and Family Background
Amari Cooper was born on June 17, 1994, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in the Liberty City neighborhood, a community known both for its challenges and for producing top-tier athletes. Raised by his mother, Michelle Green, Cooper credits his family for instilling discipline and resilience from a young age. Though private about his personal life, he has occasionally spoken about the importance of family support throughout his career. At 31 years old in 2025, Cooper retires as not only a wealthy athlete but also as a role model for perseverance and focus.
His football journey began at Miami Northwestern High School, a powerhouse program that has produced NFL stars like Teddy Bridgewater and Lavonte David. There, Cooper developed into one of the nation’s most sought-after recruits. His precise hands and explosiveness earned him a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his legacy as one of the greatest college receivers of all time was cemented.
Dominance at Alabama
Cooper arrived at Alabama in 2012 under the guidance of coach Nick Saban. As a freshman, he shattered school records for catches, yards, and touchdowns by a first-year player. His breakout culminated in the 2014 season, when he caught 124 passes for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. His performance carried Alabama into the first-ever College Football Playoff and secured his status as a top NFL prospect.
After three standout seasons, Cooper declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, where his speed, agility, and technical skill made him a can’t-miss prospect.
NFL Beginnings With the Raiders
The Oakland Raiders selected Cooper with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft. From his rookie year, he justified the investment by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons. Across four years with the Raiders, he tallied 225 receptions, 3,183 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
Though his production dipped in his final year with Oakland, Cooper remained a cornerstone talent, and in 2018 he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, a move that reinvigorated his career.
Pro Bowl Years With the Cowboys
In Dallas, Cooper quickly became quarterback Dak Prescott’s go-to target. His arrival transformed the Cowboys’ passing game, and he posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons while earning two Pro Bowl selections. His sharp cuts and elite acceleration made him nearly unguardable in one-on-one coverage.
In 2020, the Cowboys rewarded him with a five-year, $100 million contract extension, one of the largest wide receiver deals at the time. This contract alone contributed massively to his eventual $130 million in career earnings.
Reliable Veteran in Cleveland and Buffalo
The Cowboys traded Cooper to the Cleveland Browns in 2022, where he continued to prove his reliability. He delivered back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-best 1,250 yards in 2023. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, he was a steady force in the Browns’ offense.
In 2024, the Browns dealt him to the Buffalo Bills, where he helped push the team into the playoffs as a secondary weapon behind Stefon Diggs. His professionalism and adaptability shone through, even as his role evolved.
Final Raiders Stint and Retirement
In August 2025, Cooper returned to the Las Vegas Raiders, signing a short-term deal to reunite with the franchise that had drafted him a decade earlier. However, just days before the season opener, he surprised fans by announcing his retirement. Ending his career on his own terms, he left the game with seven 1,000-yard seasons, more than 10,000 career receiving yards, and a reputation as one of the NFL’s best route runners.
Contracts, Salaries, and Net Worth
Amari Cooper’s financial success is a reflection of both his talent and consistency. Across his 10-year career, he earned approximately $130 million in NFL salary. His rookie contract with the Raiders was worth more than $22 million, but it was his Dallas Cowboys extension — five years for $100 million — that defined his financial standing. Later deals with the Browns and Bills kept him among the highest-paid wideouts in the league.
Combined with endorsement deals and conservative financial management, Cooper built a net worth of $50 million by the time of his retirement. Unlike some athletes, he avoided controversies or poor investments, ensuring long-term financial stability.
Legacy and Hall of Fame Case
Amari Cooper’s legacy rests not just on numbers but also on style. He was widely regarded as one of the best route runners of his era, a technician who could create separation without relying solely on size or speed. His peers and coaches often praised his work ethic, quiet confidence, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
With 711 catches, 10,033 yards, 64 touchdowns, and four Pro Bowl selections, Cooper’s resume makes him a legitimate candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His consistency across multiple franchises and decade-long production place him in rare company.
