Now that Back-up Quarterback Cooper Rush will be taking over for the next couple of weeks while Dak Prescott’s finger heals, I think Dallas fans should start to get to know the man a little better. Yes, many Cowboy fans remember him from his historic upset win over the Minnesota Vikings but there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye.
Cooper Rush was born on November 21, 1993, in Charlotte Michigan. In High school, Cooper attended Lansing Catholic where he played football. Central Michigan University recruited him and helped push his career even further.
While at Central Michigan, Rush threw for 12,891 yards and had 90 touchdowns. His passing rate was 62.0% over his four years at the school. he also threw 55 interceptions in his 50 games played. Cooper had other achievements there too that benefitted him and Central Michigan.
Copper had 3 seasons where Central Michigan had a winning record. He participated in 3 bowl games as well, although they all resulted in losses. Overall, a good QB performance for a MAC school. However, as his senior year came to a close, things changed.
During the 2017 NFL draft, Cooper did not hear his name get called at all. After the disappointment, Cooper managed to sign on with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He stayed there as a backup until 2020 when Dallas decided to release Cooper.
This surprising action to release resulted in Cooper getting picked up by the New York Giants. This ended shortly though as only a year later he would rejoin the Cowboys in 2021. Little did Rush know, that this year would be his moment to shine.
Rush participated in a game this year as a starter. In week 8 of the 2021 NFL season, Rush would take the field against the Minnesota Vikings. Dak Prescott would be sitting out this game due to resting so he wouldn’t have any injuries.
While many Dallas fans chalked this game up to a loss, Copper Rush managed to somehow turn this wreck of a game, into a win. The Cowboys ended up winning this game at the Vikings stadium, 20-16.
Many surprised Cowboy and Vikings fans were seen as a backup quarterback from Central Michigan managed to come away with the victory. After this amazing win, many fans gained trust and respect for the quarterback. However, will they have enough to trust him right now?
With Dak being injured for at least four weeks. Cooper will have to step up to take command of the offense. The backup may be able to grab one win, but grabbing four will be a major challenge.
It will for sure be fun to see if Cooper will become a heroic hero and take charge in this uphill battle. I’m not expecting too much but with Cooper’s history with the game, we may see some sparks here and there of a good quarterback.
