Former Panthers WR Announces Retirement From NFL

Former Panthers WR Pharoh Cooper officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, ending a seven-year career.

Originally a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Cooper was a First-Team All-Pro returner in 2017 with the Rams. He began his career with Los Angeles and spent time with five different teams, playing in 16 games with Carolina in 2020.

Cooper last played with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 though primarily served a special teams role.

Panthers News: WR Pharoh Cooper Announces Retirement From NFL

In a message posted to social media, Cooper said, "Farewell football, I'm officially retiring from the NFL. I'm forever grateful and give all the glory to God that I was able to live out my childhood dream. I appreciate all the love and support I've received from my family, friends, and fans through out my career. Much love."

Cooper never stuck as a receiver but was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous special teams players in the NFL. The former South Carolina star bounced around the league, though there's no denying his talent in the return game.

The Panthers have an exciting young group of receivers, highlighted by first-round pick Xavier Legette, but it's not yet clear who will serve as the returner. Cooper was never in the mix in Carolina after departing four years ago, yet the organization still hopes to find a player of his caliber to handle kick and punt returns.

Cooper's time in the NFL is over but we wish him nothing but success moving forward.

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