Cooper attended Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, not far from the Temple campus.
It proved difficult at first, almost being traded to the Denver Broncos along with fullback Jim Jensen and getting released at the end of training camp on September 9.
[3] He took advantage of this second opportunity, by learning 3 positions (Tackle, Guard, Center) and becoming the most versatile offensive lineman on the team.
In the 1982 season, he helped blocked on Tony Dorsett's record 99-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings.
After retirement, he focused on managing his family owned company Industrial Container Services.