NFL Rumors 2015: Arizona Cardinals Interested in Former Washington Redskins Tight End Chris Cooley
Former Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley may probably get his wish to come back in the NFL granted as Arizona Cardinals is said to be interested in acquiring him.
In a Twitter post by NFL Insider for ESPN Adam Schefter, the Arizona team is considering to get Cooley's services.
Cardinals have spoken with former Redskins TE Chris Cooley and have expressed interest in signing him, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2015
The 33-year-old Cooley, who last played on the field in the 2012 season, is now a daily show host and football analyst on ESPN 980. He did not bid a formal goodbye to the sport, though noted The Washington Post. The football player opted not to be part of another team and he, of course, would not like to settle for a rate that he doesn't deserve, noted the outlet.
Lifestyle change
Early this year, the athlete turned media personality had to go through a lifestyle change when he noticed that he is getting bigger and getting way beyond 300 pounds. He was able to overcome his weight dilemma as ccording to the Post, Cooley feels healthier and fit, now that he has already reached his former weight of 250 pounds. Apparently, even NFL assistant coaches are seeing him in a new light.
They began suggesting for him to be back on the field. With a prepared body form, he is entertaining the idea more pleasantly.
"If I went to camp, I could be anybody's third tight end, worst case. I have no doubt. Any team in the NFL, I could be their third tight end. There's not a question in my mind." Cooley said, as quoted by the Post.
His absence from the sport for two years may deter Cooley if he landed in another job. However, with his work as a radio host, he has so much to be grateful for as he got the chance to appreciate the sport through the long hours he spent watching football videos. It came to a point that he shared on air his willingness to come back.
"There aren't the competitive challenges and the competitive accomplishments to be achieved in [every] job, the feeling of going crazy because you've worked to achieve something. And if you think you only have a couple more [chances], why wouldn't you do it?," he said.
Why he misses football
Cooley enumerated several reasons why he wants to return to the sport he loves so much.
"[In playing football] you prepare, and then you achieve something great, and there's this huge adrenaline rush, this huge excitement... And it's so dumb, because it's just a game, but there's a great fulfillment. You finish a radio show, and some days you might think 'That was an awesome show!' and then everyone walks out of the studio like 'All right, see you later.' ... The atmosphere, being a part of a team, trying to achieve something, it's unattainable outside of professional sports," said Cooley.
He entered the Washington team in the 2004 season and while a Redskin, he became an All-Pro in 2005 and a two-time Pro Bowler in 2007 and 2008, noted ESPN.
Now that his body and his mind are both ready, it is just good for him that a team like the Cardinals is eager to let him in. If he ever comes back, this feat will inspire other players who semi-retired into having their second wind, so to speak.
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