Episode 98 Stephen Cooper Former NFL Football Player

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr.

Today’s guest is a true legend of the gridiron, a former University of Maine Black Bear who turned his small-town determination into a nine-year NFL career. From Wareham High School in Massachusetts to Orono, Maine, Stephen Cooper’s journey is a story of grit, leadership, and resilience.

During his time with the Black Bears from 1998 to 2002, Cooper dominated the field, earning titles such as Atlantic 10Co-Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist, and eventually becoming a proud memberof the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame. His college career stats say it all: 374 tackles, 57 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, and 7 interceptions, a defensive captain and force to be reckoned with.

After college, Cooper went undrafted but refused to let that define him. Signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers, he spent nine incredible seasons with one team, a rare feat in today’s NFL. He became a team captain, led the Chargers in tackles in 2007 and 2008, and appeared in 92 regular season games, finishing with 503 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 8 interceptions.

In today’s episode, Stephen opens up about his journey, from his early days in Cape Cod and the challenges of the NavalAcademy, to his rise at Maine and transition to the NFL. He shares how leadership, brotherhood, and second chances shaped not just his career, but his life after football.

This is a story about perseverance, accountability, and betting on yourself when no one else will.

So, sit back, get ready to be inspired as Jeff Durr goes one-on-one with Stephen Cooper, former University of Maine Hall of Famer and San Diego Chargers captain, right here on the RU Strong Podcast.