Image Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Amari Cooper Announces Retirement: Why Did the Veteran WR Announce NFL Retirement?

Veteran wideout steps away one week after Raiders deal

Image Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Amari Cooper has ended his comeback attempt and announced his retirement from the NFL. The veteran wide receiver had signed with the Las Vegas Raiders late in training camp but decided to walk away only days before the start of the new season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Amari Cooper leaves the NFL after 10 seasons, finishing with 10,033 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and was a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015.

The WR began his career with the Raiders, playing parts of four seasons before being traded mid-year to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. He later spent two years with the Cleveland Browns and then the Buffalo Bills, helping Buffalo reach the AFC title game as well.

Amari Cooper had been struggling to ramp up since re-signing last week with the team that drafted him. Now, three days before the opener, the five-time Pro Bowl receiver walks away at age 31. https://t.co/bKAvyzxish
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 4, 2025

After going the entire offseason unsigned, Cooper rejoined the Raiders on August 26 with a one-year deal. At the time, Raiders GM John Spytek said, “His ability to make unique catches is something that’s always stood out to me. He hasn’t been in a camp so we cannot have an expectation he’s in tip-top shape and ready to play football. But we have a plan to bring him along.”

Amari Cooper Informs Raiders of Decision To Step Away

Now, less than a week later, Cooper has informed the team he no longer wants to continue playing. The wide receiver has not revealed his future plans.

Speaking last week, Amari Cooper insisted he still felt capable of producing. “Trust me, I still got some juice left,” he told reporters after signing. He also admitted the chance to return to the team that drafted him factored into his decision. “I always had (a return) in the back of my mind because I was drafted here,” Cooper said.

Despite those words, his second stint with the Raiders never materialized into playing time. Earlier this week, he was listed only as a backup on the Raiders’ unofficial depth chart for Week 1.

That move may have signaled his limited role for the season, one that Amari Cooper ultimately chose not to pursue as he now steps away from the game.