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This time last year, Stephen Cooper’s only worry was passing class. A year later, the only worry for this Massachusetts native is reading opposing offenses.
Cooper, now in his first-year with the San Diego Chargers, and Mike Flynn of the Baltimore Ravens, are two former University of Maine players now in the National Football League.
The last time anyone from Maine was drafted into the NFL was in 1989. Former Maine quarterback Mike Buck along with Scott Hough and Justin Strzelcyzk were all taken after the sixth round.
Even though Cooper was not drafted, the Chargers picked up last season’s Atlantic-10 Defensive Player of the Year via free agency. Cooper managed to survive the preseason and earned a roster spot.
“One of the things all coaches try to promote is, you can play after college,” said head football coach Jack Cosgrove. “We hope we can provide an opportunity to be good for all players who come here.”
On Sept. 21, Cooper and Flynn will face each another as the Ravens will pay a visit to San Diego.
Cooper, during his tenure at UMaine, was the Black Bears’ defensive leader for the last two seasons and also received the Atlantic-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year both years.
During his time as a Black Bear, Cooper had 374 tackles, 57 tackles for a loss, seven interceptions and 25 sacks.
Also, he was a recipient of the George H. “Bulger” Lowe award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston as the top defensive football player in New England.
“[Stephen] was a lot of fun to coach,” said Linebacker Coach Rich Nagy. “He was a good athlete and worked hard. The thing I enjoyed the most about him was the fact that he was a student of the game. He studied film like a coach and that allowed him to be successful.”
As for Flynn, his road to the NFL has taken many twists and turns.
After being signed as a rookie free agent by the Ravens, Flynn was waived in August 1997 and bounced around to Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, only to end up back in Baltimore four months later.
In 2000, Flynn had his first full season as a starter, where he split time between right guard and center.
Later that season, Flynn and the Ravens defeated the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
During his time at Maine, Flynn was named first-team All-Yankee Conference honors at tackle, making Maine’s first first-team choice since Dan Jones in 1992.
He was also a four-year starter and team captain.
“Being around those guys is great because they have a passion for the game. They loved the weight room and to this day, they still have records,” Cosgrove said. “One thing about going pro is you can’t be half and half when deciding to play at that level. Your passion always has to be at a high level.”
