JARROD COOPER

• STRONG SAFETY
• No: 40
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 215
• Birth date: 03/31/1978
• College: Kansas State
• Acquired: Claimed off waivers midway through the 2004 season (10/29)

It will be hard to find any player who cherishes being an Oakland Raider more than Jarrod Cooper. Since being claimed off waivers in 2004, the special teams standout has been a fan favorite, one of the more charitable members of the squad who always has time to spread his enthusiasm for everything Silver & Black.

His contributions on the field have been immeasurable as a captain and a key to all the special team coverage units.

Cooper’s influence on the field was evident after he missed the remainder of the 2007 season following a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Oakland’s 20-17 victory at Kansas City. Oakland struggled covering kickoffs and punts after his injury, this after Cooper was re-signed by the Raiders on Oct. 12 subsequent to his initial release prior to the start of the season. Oakland parted ways with the back up safety and special teams ace when league officials announced his four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL’s steroid policy.

When he returned, the Raiders special teams received a boost as he played a pivotal role shutting down Devin Hester in their game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 11, 2007; this after Lane Kiffin boasted the week up to the game that his special teams would not shy away from the dynamic return man.

Cooper re-signed this off-season and will once again be looked at as a key contributor in the locker room and on the field. Teammates and fans have always enjoyed his personable aura and in 2008, Cooper started the HELP Code 597 foundation which is dedicated to providing charitable and educational services, to pet owners to improve the health, safety and lives of their animals.

For more information about the HELP Code 597 foundation, you can visit their web site at: http://www.helpcode597.com.