Chris Cooley is proving he should be in the NFL. The Washington Redskins are thankful they drafted him and are excited for this coming season. He was impressive in his rookie season, starting nine games and catching 37 passes for 314 yards and six touchdowns. Chris is going to be a player to watch this coming season.

by Craig J. Peterson
June 25, 2005 (c) TrueAggies.com

Logan, UT - Aggie fans know where Chris Cooley went after leaving Utah State . Most watched the draft closely in anticipation of hearing his name. None were as nervous as Chris. When asked about his thoughts regarding the draft Cooley responded, "I was extremely excited and nervous all day during the draft." "It was a lot of fun because I was with my family and friends, but it was very nerve racking because I didn't get drafted until late in the first day and I had watched every second of the draft - something like ten hours before my name came up on the screen."

Not all players are drafted by the team they want or a team that can use their talents. Chris is an exception. "I was excited to go anywhere," Chris said. "I felt very lucky to go to a team with such great fans and football atmosphere." When asked about how he fits in with the Redskins and his position he is extremely upbeat. "I love the position I play," he said. "It gives me a chance the move all over the field and really play four or five different positions. It's actually the same position I played at Utah State for four years and I'm really starting to get comfortable with the types of responsibilities there."

Some organizations don't utilize the tight-end position much. The Redskins definitely provide an opportunity for a tight-end to make their mark on the league. Chris isn't shy when asked about his prospects this season and later. "I would say that I have a chance to stand out as one of the best tight ends in the NFL," Chris responded. "I feel like it's up to me though. In the redskins offense I will get plenty of opportunities to get the ball, it's just how good I can be with it."

Chris and his wife, Angela, make their home in Hamilton, Virginia . He lives just 20 minutes from Redskins Park where the Redskins practice. He would like to have a house in Cache Valley , but he basically works year-round and it would require too many flights back and forth. Angela is from Hyrum and they have been married for about three years. Chris started dating her his senior year of high school. "I've felt so lucky to have her with me," Chris reflected. "I think it would be impossible to move to such a new place and have just myself."

Chris still follows Aggie football closely. He is teammates with former Aggie Ade Jimoh. "I still followed every football game," Chris stated. "Ade Jimoh plays with me on the Redskins. He and I would talk every week about the game, the players, the coaches - I guess everything. It was fun because even though I wasn't there I kind of still felt like I was a part of it. I didn't see to much basketball, but I did get to watch the tournament game."

What does Chris think of the current state of Aggie football? "I'm so excited for the team this year and the next couple of years. I thought Coach Guy and the staff were awesome. I think they are going to do amazing things for the football program and players." He also added, "I would like to see a bigger fan base in Cache Valley . I know it's the NFL, but where I am now people are absolutely crazy about our football team. It's been an amazing experience to be in the middle of so many crazy football fans."

Scheduling has been an issue and playing many so-called "body-bag" games has caused concern for the Aggies. Chris believes it is important to play some of those big games and give the players a chance to compete with the Nebraska and Alabama teams of the world. "I think I got drafted so high in the NFL just because of the game film from Nebraska my senior year," Chris says. "Pro scouts want to see kids play well against great teams and players. Our kids need to have a chance to do that every year."

When asked what the Aggies can do to get better and attract top athletes, Chris is quick to point out that winning is key and then facilities are needed. He agreed that being in the WAC will also help, but it all comes down to winning games and showing recruits that Utah State is successful.

Chris is one year shy of finishing a degree in Art Education. He sees himself teaching art and as a wrestling coach in high school some day. When will that be? Hopefully after a long and productive professional career in the NFL. Just imagine being in class and learning that your new art teaching had a long and successful career as a professional football player!