Cooper Rush

Cooper Robert Rush is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Born on November 21, 1993, in Charlotte, Michigan, he stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and has built a reputation as one of the most reliable backup quarterbacks in league history. His career trajectory defies the typical draft narrative, rising from an undrafted free agent to a starting role with the Dallas Cowboys before joining Atlanta in 2025.

Rush is best known for his ability to step into high-pressure situations when star players like Dak Prescott are injured. He led the Cowboys to multiple victories during his tenure, proving his capability as a franchise leader rather than just a placeholder. In September 2026, he found himself in the national spotlight again when he took over first-team reps at the Atlanta Falcons following an injury to Tua Tagovailoa, showcasing his continued relevance and readiness to lead a top-tier offense. [edit]

Cooper Robert Rush grew up in the small rural community of Charlotte, Michigan, located in the Upper Peninsula. Unlike many young athletes who dream of immediate fame, Rush focused on developing his skills in a tight-knit environment. He attended Chippewa Valley High School in Mount Pleasant, where he became the starting quarterback for the Vikings. During his high school career, he threw for over 7,000 yards and 80 touchdowns, earning All-State honors and leading his team to multiple playoff appearances.

Despite his impressive high school stats, Rush did not receive scholarship offers from Power Five conference schools initially. He chose to attend Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mount Pleasant, where he played for the Chippewas from 2012 to 2016. At CMU, Rush became one of the most prolific passers in Mid-American Conference history. He holds the MAC record for career passing yards (13,034) and touchdown passes (109). He led the Chippewas to three bowl games and won the MAC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2016. Despite his statistical dominance, he went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, a pivotal moment that defined his underdog narrative and set the stage for his eventual rise. [edit]

Rush signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017 after going unnoticed by teams during the draft. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad behind Dak Prescott and Sean Lissemore. By 2018, he had become the primary backup, making his first NFL start in Week 14 against the New York Giants, where he threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback victory. This performance marked the beginning of his transition from a practice squad member to a trusted reserve.

His breakout year arrived in 2021 when Prescott suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2. Rush took over as the starter and went 9-5, including a memorable 34-24 win against the Washington Football Team where he threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the season with a passer rating of 93.6. In 2022, he started 12 games after Prescott's injury, completing 63.4% of his passes for 2,773 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping the Cowboys reach the playoffs. He returned to the starting role in 2023 and 2024, solidifying his status as the ultimate bridge quarterback.

In 2025, Rush signed a two-year contract worth up to $12.2 million with the Atlanta Falcons, marking his departure from Dallas. Entering the 2026 season, he served as the third-string quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa. When Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during practice in September 2026, Rush immediately stepped into the spotlight, taking over first-team reps ahead of the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. [edit]

Rush projects a quiet, unassuming persona that contrasts sharply with the flashy image often associated with NFL stars. He avoids the limelight despite his on-field success, preferring to let his play speak for itself. His style is professional and humble, reflecting his Midwestern upbringing. On social media, he shares game highlights, family moments, and promotes his business initiatives without seeking viral attention. Media outlets frequently cite him as the epitome of the "next man up" mentality, praising his work ethic and reliability. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While there is no official fandom name documented in iFANN data, Cooper Rush has a dedicated following among Dallas Cowboys fans who appreciate his steady leadership. These fans often refer to themselves as "Rush Army" informally on social media platforms. Fan campaigns have included charity drives in his name, focusing on youth football programs in Michigan and Texas. His story of overcoming being undrafted resonates deeply with supporters who value perseverance and hard work over natural talent alone. [edit]

Cooper Rush holds the Central Michigan University all-time records for passing yards and touchdowns, a testament to his college dominance. He was the last undrafted player to start a significant number of games for the Cowboys in the Dak Prescott era, a rare feat in the modern NFL. Fans often chant "Feel the Rush!" when he enters the game, a term that has become synonymous with his calm demeanor under pressure. The 2021 game against the Washington Football Team, where he rallied the Cowboys from a deficit to win 34-24, is widely replayed as a defining moment of his resilience. He also co-founded Path2Scratch, a platform aimed at helping athletes transition from college to professional levels. [edit]

Rush maintains a notably private personal life compared to many of his peers. He is known to be close to his family, particularly his parents, who supported his journey from an undrafted player to an NFL starter. There are no public records of marriages, engagements, or confirmed long-term relationships. He keeps his social media focused on football, his alma mater, and his business ventures. He has no children and resides primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, though he has recently established roots in Atlanta following his 2025 signing. [edit]

Dak Prescott, Mike McCarthy, Arthur Smith, Chris Lindstrom, Tua Tagovailoa[edit]

Cooper Rush keeps his romantic life strictly out of the public eye. There are no verified reports of marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships involving the quarterback. Unlike many of his peers who share details about their partners on social media, Rush focuses his online presence on football, his alma mater, and his business endeavors. As of late 2026, he remains single, with no confirmed dating history available to the public. This privacy allows him to maintain a low profile off the field while navigating the pressures of professional sports. [edit]

As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Cooper Rush's fortune at around $5.4 million. His wealth stems primarily from his NFL contracts, which have evolved significantly since his undrafted days. His initial deal with the Dallas Cowboys started at a modest rookie scale salary but grew as he took on more starting responsibilities. His most lucrative agreement came in 2025 when he signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons valued at $12.2 million.

Beyond his base salary, Rush has earned income through limited endorsements, mostly local deals in Michigan and Texas. He has also ventured into business as the co-founder of Path2Scratch, a platform designed to assist athletes in their transition from college to professional sports. While he owns property in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and potentially in Atlanta, specific valuations remain private. His financial growth reflects the steady climb of a player who turned a backup role into a stable career. [edit]

Rush has not won major individual NFL awards such as Pro Bowl selections or All-Pro honors. His accolades are rooted in his college career, where he won the MAC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2016. He also secured multiple All-MAC First Team selections and helped lead his team to three bowl games during his time at Central Michigan University. [edit]