Amari Cooper's decision to end his 10-year NFL career just days before the Las Vegas Raiders' season opener surprised many. On Thursday, Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly revealed that Cooper called head coach Pete Carroll that morning to inform him of his retirement.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Carroll expressed admiration for the veteran's choice.
"The timing wasn’t right for him," Carroll said, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "He didn’t feel like he was ready to do it. He gave a shot and we gave him a shot. Much respect for him making that decision."
Cooper had returned to the Raiders on a one-year deal signed late in training camp, hoping to close his career where it began. For the WR, it was "a full-circle moment."
No one was expecting this news, as Cooper had sounded optimistic about delivering on the field.
Just last week, he told reporters,
"I still got some juice left, so I want to show it. I want to show it. And I felt like this was the opportunity for me to show it."
Cooper finishes his NFL journey with 711 receptions, 10,033 receiving yards, and 64 touchdowns across a decade with four teams.