History of Cooper Rush in Timeline

Cooper Rush is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017, signing with the Dallas Cowboys after playing college football at Central Michigan University. Known for his role as a backup quarterback, Rush has stepped in as a starter for the Cowboys at times due to injuries to the starting quarterback. He has achieved some success in that role, leading the team to victories in multiple games. His career has largely been defined by his ability to perform reliably when called upon.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 21, 1993: Cooper Rush's Birth

On November 21, 1993, Cooper Robert Rush was born. He would later become an American professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Undefeated Regular Season

In 2010, Rush led his team to an undefeated regular season.

2011: State Runner-Up Title and Record-Breaking Game

In 2011, Rush led his team to the state runner-up title. During the Division 5 regional championship game against Dowagiac Union High School in 2011, he set Michigan state records with five touchdown passes in one quarter and eight for the game.

2014: Bahamas Bowl Appearance

In 2014, as a sophomore, Rush played in the Bahamas Bowl against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where he threw for seven touchdowns, setting an all-time record for bowl games. The team attempted a two-point conversion to win the game, but was unsuccessful.

2015: Best Season as a Junior

In 2015, Rush had his best season as a junior, setting a new school single-season record with 3,703 passing yards through the first 13 games. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,848 total passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

December 6, 2016: East-West Shrine Game Invitation

On December 6, 2016, Rush accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game.

2016: Senior Season and Controversial Game

In 2016, Rush's senior season saw a drop in production, but a game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys sparked controversy due to an incorrect call by officials that led to a Central Michigan victory. Later, the team lost 55-10 to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the 2016 Miami Beach Bowl.

January 21, 2017: East-West Shrine Game Performance

On January 21, 2017, Rush played in the East-West Shrine Game for the East team, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 97 yards in a 10-3 loss to the West.

March 20, 2017: Participated at Central Michigan's Pro Day

On March 20, 2017, Rush participated at Central Michigan's pro day and chose to attempt the vertical jump, broad jump, short shuttle, and three-cone drill once again.

2017: Signed as Undrafted Free Agent

In 2017, Cooper Rush was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2017 NFL draft on May 12. He competed for the third-string quarterback job during training camp.

2017: Signed by the Dallas Cowboys

In 2017, Cooper Rush was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.

2018: Backup Quarterback and Game Appearance

In 2018, Rush was the backup quarterback and played in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, closing out a 40-7 victory in the fourth quarter.

2019: Backup Role and Limited Play

In 2019, Rush remained the backup quarterback for the Cowboys and played in the season opener against the New York Giants and in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, closing out wins in the fourth quarter.

March 18, 2020: Re-signed with Cowboys

On March 18, 2020, Rush re-signed with the Cowboys on a one-year restricted free agent tender.

May 5, 2020: Claimed by New York Giants

On May 5, 2020, Rush was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants, reuniting with former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett.

October 31, 2020: Signed to Cowboys' Practice Squad

On October 31, 2020, Rush was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.

January 4, 2021: Signed Reserve/Future Contract

On January 4, 2021, Rush signed a reserve/future contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

August 30, 2022: Waived and Signed to Practice Squad

On August 30, 2022, Rush was waived by the Cowboys and signed to the practice squad the next day.

March 17, 2023: Re-signed with the Cowboys

On March 17, 2023, Rush re-signed with the Cowboys on a two-year contract worth $6 million.

2024: Starting Quarterback Due to Injury

In 2024, Cooper Rush took over as the starting quarterback for the Cowboys after Dak Prescott was injured. Rush earned his first win of the season in Week 12 against the Washington Commanders. However, later in the season the Cowboys elected to start Lance over Rush in the season finale.