Oakland Raiders star Amari Cooper now reading books just as well as he reads defenses
NAPA, Calif. — Amari Cooper is already building a resume as one of the NFL’s best young receivers.
But the blossoming Oakland Raiders star is also proving himself to be one of the league’s best readers, as well.
As part of a personal goal Cooper set to read one book a month in 2017, he has invited fans to join him in an online book club that he documents on his blog and social media accounts. He’s picked novels by Stephen King and non-fiction books about business and leadership and actively engages in online discussion with fellow readers.
“I really didn't like reading as a kid. Sometimes I don't like reading now, but I do like learning,” Cooper told Paste BN Sports.
More: Del Rio, Raiders back Lynch's anthem protest
More: Dez Bryant defends anthem protests
He’s managed to keep up his pace during training camp and is currently enjoying The Maltese Falcon, a novel by Dashiell Hammett. His future selections will likely include books about real estate as he plans to get more involved in that arena.
Cooper returned to the field Tuesday after missing six consecutive practices and Oakland's preseason opener with a left leg injury. He caught a touchdown during an 11-on-11 drill, expertly shaking free of double coverage in the middle of the field.
He has had more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, and his next goal now is to “maximize my opportunities” with quarterback Derek Carr.
“Every ball he throws me, I want to catch it,” Cooper said. “I just try to get open every play, and if he sees me open, I'll get the ball.”
***
Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones
PHOTOS: Falcons' new Atlanta stadium