Utah State football great Chris Cooley retires from NFL

One of the best Aggies — and one of the biggest personalities — to play in the pros is stepping down.

Word leaked Tuesday afternoon of Chris Cooley's immenent retirement from the NFL, reported by the Washington Post. A 2004 Utah State graduate who went on to play for the Washington Redskins, Cooley will end his nine-year career for a job with the team's radio broadcast.

To most of the nation, Cooley will be remembered as a tenured and well-liked NFL vet who caught 429 passes for 4,711 yards despite the Redskins' well-documented offensive deficiencies over the years. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and was all-Pro in 2005.

But Logan residents recall the hometown hero, who was an all-everything athlete at Logan High before joining the Aggies. Along with Kevin Curtis, Cooley was among the more spectacular players during Utah State's Sun Belt years, leading all NCAA tight ends in receiving yards as a senior.

In honor of Chris Cooley's retirement after a nine-year NFL career, here (along with some college highlights for you to enjoy above) are nine interesting nuggets about the tight end (and be warned, few of them are about football):

1. He opened an art gallery with his own pottery.

2. He paid tribute to Teddy Roosevelt with his art.

3. He's been experimental with his hair style, particularly during his "afro" period.

4. He tried to negotiate a case of beer in his most recent contract.

5. His fridge (at least in 2006) was decidely frat-like.

6. He ran his own blog that is probably still one of the most unfiltered pro athlete outlets.

7. He could be frequently seen wearing hot pants.

8. His nickname, Captain Chaos, was pretty catchy.

9. He was an All-American wrestler for the Grizzlies.

Share your favorite Captain Chaos memories/thoughts in the comments.

— Kyle Goon

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon