Former Washington Redskins Tight End Chris Cooley to Retire, Join Broadcast Team

For nine seasons, Chris Cooley was one of the most respected and well-received players in Washington, and now he has decided to hang up his cleats for good. Although the fans have adored No. 47 during his time with the Redskins, he’s just not needed anymore. Fortunately, though, he will still be around. 

According to Mark Maske and Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post, Cooley will be joining the Redskins’ radio broadcast group as an analyst. While all of the exact details of what his role will be have yet to be defined, it will be nice to have a familiar face and voice during the games.

His decision to retire came after it was clear the Washington Redskins were not going to re-sign him. 

Going into 2013, Washington will have a healthy Fred Davis and talented rookie Jordan Reed, along with Logan Paulsen and Niles Paul, leaving no room for the veteran tight end. 

Cooley was released prior to the 2012 season but was brought back once Davis went down with an Achilles injury. Even though he was signed as insurance instead of as the starter, it was clear he was happy to be back, and Redskins fans rejoiced. 

Before coming back to the ‘Skins, there were murmurs that Cooley had a few offers from other teams, but he declined because he only wanted to play for Washington. He caught just one pass during his return to the team. 

He’s not only the top receiving tight end in franchise history, but he is also one of the most loved Redskins of all time and will more than likely see his name hung up in the Redskins Ring of Fame before long. 

Cooley’s best statistical season came in 2008 when he caught 83 passes for 849 yards and a touchdown. His career totals (unless he decides to pull a Brett Favre) end up as 429 catches for 4,711 yards and 33 touchdowns.