At Alabama, Amari Cooper was a quiet assassin.
His hands, speed, route running prowess and knowledge of defenses gave opposition countless nightmares, as his career ended with 228 catches for 3,463 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.
His motivation in being a superstar for the Crimson Tide and a rising star in the National Football League, comes from a woman that taught him the value of a strong work ethic. On Monday, the 22-year-old paid respect to his mother in an Instagram post for her love, hard work and sacrifice, while raising him in the projects of Miami, Fla.
After earning a BCS national championship in 2012 and two Southeastern Conference titles, Cooper would be selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He signed a massive four-year contract worth $22.6 million, including a $14.7 million signing bonus and all $22.6 million guaranteed.
Oakland has quickly noticed how talented the former four-star prospect is, seeing that Cooper’s turned in two 1000-yard seasons at wide receiver. From Miami Northwestern High School to a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Cooper’s mother has stood right by his side. His response was providing her with the car and house of her dreams, letting her know how much he appreciated her efforts. As Cooper prepares for his third season in the league, Tide fans will continue gushing over the class act that he was at Alabama and is to his family.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
