Cooper Rush has taken the reins as the interim starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, stepping in after Dak Prescott was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury that necessitates surgery. This season began with Prescott holding the record as the highest-paid player in NFL history, but now the team is looking to Rush to lead them through the rest of the campaign.
Although Rush is not yet a well-known name in football, he has navigated his way through several years in the league and has established himself as a reliable option. Born in Charlotte, Michigan in November 1993, Cooper spent his formative years in Lansing, Michigan. This small city is just 20 miles away from his hometown, where he attended Lansing Catholic High School.
While at Lansing Catholic, Rush had an impressive high school career as a quarterback. He started for three years and led his team to consecutive undefeated seasons in 2010 and 2011, although they fell short of a state championship, finishing as the runner-up in 2011. His high school statistics are notable, with a remarkable total of 7,248 passing yards and 80 touchdowns, along with 1,438 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns.
Following high school, Rush accepted a scholarship to Central Michigan University, where he played from 2012 to 2016. Despite facing challenges like a coaching change, Rush led the Chippewas to three bowl games during his tenure and racked up impressive college statistics, amassing a total of 12,894 passing yards and 90 touchdowns over 50 games.
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Rush signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He spent three years on the practice squad before briefly joining the New York Giants at the start of the 2020 season, when he was cut mid-year but found his way back to the Cowboys. To date, Rush has played in 31 games for Dallas, demonstrating his resilience and capacity to handle the spotlight.
As Rush prepares to lead the Cowboys, fans and teammates alike remain hopeful. His journey from a small-town quarterback to starting for an iconic franchise is a testament to hard work and perseverance. With the right support and determination, he has the potential to make significant contributions and keep the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations alive.
This situation is not just a challenge for Rush; it’s an opportunity to shine on a grand stage, proving to fans and critics alike that he belongs among the elite.