Cooper Rush has stepped into the starting quarterback position for the Dallas Cowboys following a season-ending hamstring injury to Dak Prescott, who requires surgery. This significant shift comes after Prescott was named the highest-paid player in NFL history at the start of the season. The Cowboys are now placing their trust in Rush for the remainder of the year.
Originally from Charlotte, Michigan, Rush grew up in Lansing, where he attended Lansing Catholic High School. He was a standout player there, leading his team to consecutive undefeated seasons in 2010 and 2011 while amassing impressive statistics that included setting state records with five passing touchdowns in one quarter and eight in a single game.
After high school, Rush accepted a scholarship to Central Michigan University, where he played from 2012 to 2016. Although he faced challenges, including a coaching change, he was a consistent performer, leading the Chippewas to three bowl games during his tenure, though they had not secured a victory in any of them. Over his college career, he accumulated nearly 13,000 passing yards and scored 90 touchdowns.
Rush entered the NFL undrafted in 2017 but signed with the Dallas Cowboys, spending several years on the practice squad before having a brief stint with the New York Giants. He later returned to Dallas, where he has played in 31 games as a Cowboy.
Despite being relatively unknown, Rush’s journey from a small-town quarterback to starting for a storied franchise could inspire others pursuing their dreams in sports. The Cowboys will hope his experience and skill can help carry the team through the remainder of the season.
This opportunity for Rush could also serve as a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to showcase his talent on a larger stage and potentially secure his future in the NFL. The support from the Dallas organization might lead to a newfound confidence and development in his gameplay, providing optimism for Cowboys fans looking ahead.
In summary, while the Cowboys face challenges ahead with Prescott out, this scenario opens doors for Cooper Rush to make a name for himself and further develop his NFL career.