GREEN BAY, Wis. – Tyler Cooper, an undrafted offensive lineman from Saint Croix Falls, Wis., is no stranger to the Packers-Vikings rivalry.
“I can walk two minutes across the river and be in Minnesota,” Cooper said during the Packers’ rookie minicamp.
Tyler Cooper, born in Minnesota and once a childhood Vikings fan, grew up in a divided household when it came to football allegiances.
“We had a pretty split family, so I started out that way,” Cooper said. “When we moved, I had to make the transition.”
After going undrafted out of the University of Minnesota, Cooper chose to sign with the Green Bay Packers over other opportunities.
“It’s a historic franchise. The trophy’s named after them,” he said. “The facility is incredible, the coaches are outstanding, and everyone here has been amazing.”
A standout at Saint Croix Falls High School, Cooper earned all-state honors and was ranked the No. 10 recruit in Wisconsin by 247 Sports’ composite rankings. His college career was marked by persistence—he appeared in just one game each in 2019 and 2020, and didn’t play at all in 2021.
In 2022, Tyler Cooper saw increased action, playing in five games before becoming a consistent starter at left guard for the next two seasons. Over that span, he started 21 games and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Academically, he was a model student, earning All-Big Ten Academic recognition every year from 2020 to 2024.
Cooper’s strong finish to his college career earned him a spot in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl, where the game’s director of football operations, Eric Galko, praised his readiness, saying Cooper could “play guard tomorrow” in the NFL.
While Cooper enjoyed running outside zone schemes with the Gophers, he also takes pride in winning with power—versatility that helped him catch the Packers’ attention.
“I think it’s every kid’s dream to play at this level,” Cooper said. “But when it really becomes something you believe you can reach, that probably starts in college. Still, it’s one step at a time.”
Even after signing with the Packers, Tyler Cooper said the reality of making it to the NFL didn’t fully hit him right away.
“Even after getting the news, there’s still a bit of hesitation,” he said. “It doesn’t quite feel real. It starts to settle in when you’re walking the halls, sitting in meeting rooms, putting on the gear with a ‘G’ on your chest—that’s when it really begins to sink in.”
During his college career, Cooper logged 1,044 snaps at left guard and 265 at right guard, showcasing his versatility along the interior offensive line. Looking ahead, Cooper knows his ability to play multiple spots, including center, will be key to sticking in the league.
Tyler Cooper knows that versatility is key to earning a spot in the NFL—especially as an undrafted free agent.
“I think versatility is the biggest thing,” Cooper said. “As an O-lineman, you’ve got to play as many spots as you can, especially coming in the way that I am. Learning the playbook, getting to know the coaches and teammates, and just working your tail off—that’s how you make it.”
Cooper spent the NFL Draft weekend surrounded by close family, anxiously awaiting the opportunity of a lifetime. When the call finally came, emotions ran high.
“Last Saturday was awesome,” he recalled. “Just hanging with the family all day, waiting to see what would happen. Then we got the calls and texts about Green Bay—it was an easy decision. I grew up watching the Packers, went to Lambeau a bunch, and my family has season tickets. It’s a dream come true to get a chance to play here.”
