He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he earned All-American honors.

He also spent time with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Oakland Raiders.

In his senior year, he paved the way for three players who rushed for 600 yards or more, while Hoggard won the state 4-A championship with a 16–0 record.

He also competed in the shot put on the track & field team, recording a top-throw of 14.58 meters (47 ft 2 in) at the 2008 NCHSAA 4A East Regional, where he placed 3rd.

The injuries forced the Cardinals to name Ted Larsen as the starter at left guard to begin the season.

In week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, an ankle injury to left guard Paul Fanaika opened the door for Cooper to have his first career start.

In 2015, he was moved to the right guard starting position after the team signed All-Pro Mike Iupati, but he suffered a knee injury against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10.

[13] On March 15, 2016, Cooper and a second-round draft pick (#61-Vonn Bell) were traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for defensive end Chandler Jones.

On December 27, Cooper was waived to make room for guard Alvin Bailey, who was being activated from a two-game suspension.

[18][19] On March 14, 2017, Cooper signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys to compete for the vacant left guard job after Ronald Leary departed in free agency, with La'el Collins additionally moving to right tackle.

He was named the starter at left guard in the fourth game against the Los Angeles Rams in place of an injured Chaz Green, helping to stabilize the offensive line the rest of the season.

He started a career-high 13 games, but suffered a sprained left medial collateral ligament in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

[21] In training camp, he was limited with his surgically repaired left knee, while competing for the right offensive guard starting position.

[23] On November 5, 2018, he was signed by the Washington Redskins, following season ending injuries to starting offensive linemen Brandon Scherff and Shawn Lauvao.