Edgerrin Cooper came to the 2024 season hurting and Green Bay Packers manager Brian Gutekunst thought it is among the reasons why he was not getting the minutes his fans thought he deserved.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst addresses the media after the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers selected Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan with the 25th pick.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The 45th pick of last season is a fan favorite since signing his rookie contract with the team and that is all because he makes important players whenever he is on the field.
He finished the 2024 season with 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He also had an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games.
In the wildcard round which they lost to eventual champions Philadephia Eagles, he recorded seven total tackles, two of them are solo.
Gutekunst challenged him to stay healthy back in February when he answered a question related to the fans’ misinterpretation of Cooper’s minimal playing minutes.
Green Bay Packers, Edgerrin Cooper
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates a tackle for a three-yard loss during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/Imagn Images
“After the guys get through their first year, there’s a big exhale. And then there’s an understanding of what this is, and what I’ve got to do to play at my best week in and week out, and get myself the best chance to stay healthy. That’s part of it,” the GM said.
Jeff Hafley says Edgerrin Cooper is more focused for Year 2
Coopers appears to be taking the challenge by the heart as according to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, he got bigger in the offseason.
He also teased the 23-year-old’s improved mental strength as he prepare for his second season with the team.
Edgerrin Cooper
Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (LB08) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“He’s gotta be close to 240 pounds and this Year 2 for him, he knows what it’s going to take. He knows what he has to do now to stay healthy,” Hafley said.
“You can tell he’s dedicated that time into caring for his body and changed his body and now when you sit with him in that room it’s, I mean, he’s locked in and he’s focused. Now he knows what he’s doing. You’re first rookie year you’re kind of in survival mode a little bit, too.”
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