Eagles
Credit: Kiel Leggere, via Philadelphia Eagles
With nine seconds left in Sunday’s game against Tennessee, Jalen Hurts found Darius Cooper for a three-yard touchdown that put Philadelphia ahead 24-20. The game-winning catch was Cooper’s first career NFL touchdown.
He finished with two catches, both in the fourth quarter and both at critical moments. The first moved the chains on first-and-17. The second won the game. Despite his limited role in the passing game, Cooper delivered the biggest moment of his NFL career.
From Tarleton State to Philadelphia
Darius Cooper during his time with the Tarleton State Texans.Credit: Toby Rhodes / Tarleton State Athletics.
At 18, Cooper joined Tarleton State, home of the Texans, after graduating from Hazelwood West High School, where he had played quarterback. Once there, he transitioned to wide receiver.
He caught six passes across his first two years, in 2020 and 2021. His role grew in 2022, when he recorded 54 receptions for 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming a key part of the Texans’ offense.
His best season came in 2024. Cooper caught 76 passes for 1,450 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 19.1 yards per reception. By then, he had established himself as a big-play threat.
Philadelphia signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. In his preseason debut, he caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Preseason statistics are kept separate from regular-season totals, so that score did not count as his first career regular-season touchdown.
That performance, combined with a strong training camp, helped Cooper become the only Eagles undrafted free agent from the 2025 class to make the initial 53-man roster.
His rookie season hit an early setback. Cooper injured his shoulder against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 and was placed on injured reserve. He returned after missing four games and finished the year with nine catches for 92 yards in 13 games.
Cooper Seizes His Chance Against Tennessee
His first catch on Sunday came with just over eight minutes left. After a penalty, Philadelphia faced first-and-17 at its own 35-yard line. Hurts found him over the middle, and Cooper gained 23 yards to the Titans’ 42.
The 23-yard catch became the longest reception of Cooper’s NFL career.
Trailing 20-17, Philadelphia began its final drive with 1:56 remaining and no timeouts. Hurts kept the drive alive with a 20-yard completion to Dontayvion Wicks on third down. Later, facing another third down, he connected with DeVonta Smith for 19 yards to the Tennessee 3-yard line.
On the next play, Hurts rolled right and waited for an opening. Cooper broke free in the back of the end zone, caught the pass and got both feet down in bounds. The touchdown completed the comeback and gave him his first regular-season score.
What Comes Next for Cooper
Before Sunday, Cooper had contributed primarily as a blocker and on special teams. Those roles helped him earn his place on the roster while his opportunities as a receiver remained limited.
Against the Titans, he showed what else he could offer. Both catches came in important fourth-quarter situations, with the second delivering the game-winning touchdown.
That performance could earn him more chances as a receiver. The challenge now is to turn those occasional opportunities into a steadier role. If he does, the Eagles will have another option in the passing game from a player who already contributes in other areas.
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