Chris Cooley - my Redskins cheerleader turned wife

[Hammock Parties]

Awesome.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-Cooley-Zone-My-Redskins-cheerleader-turned-?urn=nfl,83661

The Cooley Zone: My Redskins cheerleader-turned-Redskins wife

By Chris Cooley

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__3/ept_sports_nfl_experts-979826783-1211379478.jpg?ymYMca_CXKd3YHhU

Christy (http://www.maximonline.com/girls_of_maxim/cheerleaders/washington.html) stepped through my back door two Julys ago. She walked into the house like she had climbed out of a poster in my high school bedroom. Past fashionably late, she had given me way too much time to sit and drink, and I knew it would be hard not to make an ass out of myself. By the time I was face to face with my favorite Redskins cheerleader, all I could muster was a shrugged shoulder handshake.

It was a Saturday night in the summertime and Christy was thinking about me. I would have never known what she had on her mind, but I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She confessed that it wasn't coincidence that brought her to the house and she was prepared. If looks were bait then I was hooked. She dressed to make men panic, but beyond that she was beautiful. Her smile was incredible and she had something terribly contagious in her eyes. Awkward glances and stares filled the room, and before the night ended I knew that I wanted more.

As a couple early on we were controversial (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/07/AR2007080701740.html?sub=AR), but entirely smooth. Rumors followed everywhere we went. Keeping a secret became hard when there wasn't a secret to start. It turned out a picture of the two of us had been leaked to the Redskins. Christy was fired from cheerleading two weeks after we started dating. Since her big paycheck ($75 a game) had come to an end, at least the sneaking around was over.

As we moved through the season, I fell in love with her. We went through a lot of weird stuff, but it never fazed either of us. Maybe her dad brainwashed me one of the nights I passed out at her house, because no matter what happened, I was crazy about her. More likely it was her mom, since I was usually trying to impress the old man by drinking him under the table.

It's amazing that the lastthree years together have gone by so fast. I'm getting married this Friday evening. I asked Christy to be my wife nine months ago, and I'm a lucky man; she chose to be with me. I think she has learned being with a football player is harder than it looks. She is looked through countless times by surrounding football fans, and the funny thing is Christy should be getting the attention. Not to mention she has to put up with my terrible attitude five months out of the year (A.K.A. football season).


http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__3/ept_sports_nfl_experts-867739247-1211379668.jpg?ymVPca_CLqXwoz_H

While I can't wait to put the ring on I've had some resoundingly bad conversations over the last couple of months. Golf may have an uncountable list of ethics, though bothering a complete stranger about getting married is not one of them. First of all, I'm excited for the big day, so please don't feel sorry for me because marriage sucks for you. No, I'm not nervous, I don't want any marriage advice, and yes Christy's mom is still hot.

From the moment Christy said "yes" the plans began. I have to admit I haven't been the most avid planning participant, but one thing I was put in charge of was the seating. I'll say this: It should at least be an interesting night. I've had calls from numerous wedding guests, most recently Dan Snyder's assistant asking what table they could find their seats. Obviously my easiest seating solution, anywhere you can find a chair. I'm not trying to stick Dan with my drunken uncle, but drawing up all those name tags was way over my head.

I'm hoping for a huge night on Friday. We've paid for two open bars, and invited nothing short of an Animal House (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077975/) cast of characters. Although I hope Clinton's friends -- Southeast Jerome and co. (http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=14145) -- don't crash the party. After our vows the only promise I will make is to not stuff the cake all over Christy's face. The rest of the reception is free game. It will certainly be a night to remember.

[Hammock Parties]

This guy's blog is awesome. I'm bookmarking it.

http://chriscooley47.blogspot.com/

[Hammock Parties]

Yum.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_UmofdtGn77k/SDV4LUsefSI/AAAAAAAABaw/QWZjCh-DUNA/s320/IMG_0300.JPG (http://chriscooley47.com/)


http://bp1.blogger.com/_UmofdtGn77k/SDRullx12_I/AAAAAAAABaY/W6OlqbSSw3I/s320/IMG_0246.JPG (http://chriscooley47.com/)
http://bp3.blogger.com/_UmofdtGn77k/SDRumFx13AI/AAAAAAAABag/4TI5bjgzHJc/s320/IMG_0350.JPG (http://chriscooley47.com/)

[stlchiefs]

Cooley is a funny character. I remember some hilarious pictures of him at training camp last year.

[ChiefsCountry]

Chiefs need to trade for Cooley so we can have her, October and Kelli all together.

[Hammock Parties]

This entry is pretty good, too.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-Cooley-Zone-Fast-food-does-the-body-good?urn=nfl,86031

A quarter-pounder with cheese from McDonald's has been my favorite sandwich since I was a kid. Growing up, a trip to McDonald's, Taco Bell or even Wendy's was a popular event. Pizza night was another common dinner in the Cooley household. Of course, my mom cooked a lot of meals, but I was a busy kid and fast food was always so easy.

In a world full of performance-enhancing drugs, I have spent a lifetime being great at sports and eating garbage. Friday night football games in high school were preceded with a 39-cent hamburger eating contest at Arctic Circle. I could usually eat nine or 10. Two hours before my high school state championship wrestling match, I took down three cheeseburgers with a Mountain Dew. I went on to win in a 14-3 decision; the closest match in a season that I finished 40-0.

I entered college as a 205-pound defensive end and still looked like a skinny kid. After two months of Big Mac Mondays and 2-for-2 Quarter-Pounder Tuesdays I topped the scales at 240. A growing college athlete has to eat, and not only was fast food the best, it was the cheapest. Team snack the night before a Utah State football game consisted of a bag full of hour-old cheeseburgers. I always ate them all! I knew no better about how poorly I was eating, but how could I? It had worked throughout my life. I finished my freshman season starting the last five games and raking in 4 sacks.

As I made the passage from a small D-1 football program to the NFL I began to figure some eating changes would be in order. If I wanted to compete on the highest level, I would be on some form of team diet. Walking through the front doors at Redskin Park one of the first players I met was Clinton Portis. He carefully set down his Roy Rogers bag of breakfast and shook my hand. Right then I knew I would be just fine.

Two years into my NFL career the Redskins made a trip to St. Louis. It was a game that would ignite a five-game winning streak that put an unexpected Joe Gibbs team into the playoffs. It was also a game that offensive coordinator Don Breaux described as the most complete I had played in my career. I finished with 5 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown, but had been consistent all over the field. When someone has a great game they obviously do everything they can to duplicate it the next week.

So when I recapped the preparation for the game I found one unusual change in the morning. The Ritz Carlton in St. Louis has the most unbelievable bacon I've ever tasted. Not only did I love the bacon, everyone on the team was blown away by the taste. Three or four of us decided to forget all other foods and have a bacon-eating contest. I won with 39 pieces and was was sick on the floor for the next hour in the visitor locker room. We tried to keep up with the contest, but no other bacon was up to par with St. Louis.

I'm not saying that someone can go on the McDonald's "Super Size Me" diet and be a great athlete, but so much more goes into the sport than what goes into a player's body. Someone might assume that a healthy eater would be a much better football player, especially at any skill position, and I would almost have to agree with him or her. But, as I finish up my sixth Mountain Dew for the day, I have proved to myself that my diet has continually worked for me. I eat what makes me happy, but I put in a tremendous amount of hard work as well. I've thought about trying to change, but there is something to be said about four consistent and healthy seasons in the NFL (I have never missed a practice), as well as going to the Pro Bowl.

Football is a game of heart and desire. The will to outwork and outlast another athlete becomes more important than the guy who looks more "ripped" with his shirt off. There is something deep down inside of a great athlete that just wont let them quit or give up. That something is so much more important than what they eat or what they can take. It's what so many athletes and myself have made a living off of.

[L.A. Chieffan]

You hear that fatties?

If you slurp down Mountain Dews and cheesburgers all day YOU TOO can be a professional athlete and bang cheerleaders!

[OnTheWarpath15]

Damn.

[blueballs]

He'll get beaten out in training camp by the old back up TE
but will be back starting by the end of the season
Portis will get hurt again -not really related

[Hammock Parties]

He'll get beaten out in training camp by the old back up TE


Are you talking about Kris Wilson? He signed with Philly. But a Kris Wilson blog would be awesome.

November 14, 2005 - I didn't touch the ball again this week, but I did some blocking. If I keep my head down and my mouth shut I think I can keep drawing paychecks for at least three more seasons.

January 22, 2008 - Al called. He said there's a job waiting for me in Washington. I LOVE THIS LEAGUE!

February 10, 2008 - Al got fired from the Redskins. Mood: depressed.

February 11, 2008 - The Eagles signed me! I get to play with Donovan McNabb! I have 42 career catches. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

[rambleonthruthefog]

uuuuuuuuuuuuh, can i get some more pics?

[stlchiefs]

Are you talking about Kris Wilson? He signed with Philly. But a Kris Wilson blog would be awesome.

November 14, 2005 - I didn't touch the ball again this week, but I did some blocking. If I keep my head down and my mouth shut I think I can keep drawing paychecks for at least three more seasons.

January 22, 2008 - Al called. He said there's a job waiting for me in Washington. I LOVE THIS LEAGUE!

February 10, 2008 - Al got fired from the Redskins. Mood: depressed.

February 11, 2008 - The Eagles signed me! I get to play with Donovan McNabb! I have 42 career catches. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

ROFL Nice

[teedubya]

I would PIIHB.

[MTG#10]

I would PIIHB.

m2

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I would PIIHB.

m2




Me 3.

[Rain Man]

This entry is pretty good, too.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-Cooley-Zone-Fast-food-does-the-body-good?urn=nfl,86031


Dang it. If I had only drunk more Mountain Dew as a kid, I could've been a Chief.

[ChiefsCountry]

I would prefer to put in the front but in the butt would be fine as well.

[Hammock Parties]

Dang it. If I had only drunk more Mountain Dew as a kid, I could've been a Chief.

They had Mt. Dew back then?

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I would prefer to put in the front but in the butt would be fine as well.

Yeah. That girl is ****ing smoking hot. I would like to abuse every last oriface she has. Repeatedly. Then more repeatedly.

[Rain Man]

They had Mt. Dew back then?

Yeah, but back then it was just Large Hill Dew. Continental drift hadn't had its full effect.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Yeah, but back then it was just Large Hill Dew. Continental drift hadn't had its full effect.

So I guess Skip was around when it was called Dirt Hole Dew.

[ChiefsCountry]

Also I get where Cooley is talking about his diet like that. When I was playing football, I ate exactly like that but I worked out all the time and was active so it didnt bother me at all.

[Hammock Parties]

So I guess Skip was around when it was called Dirt Hole Dew.

No, it was tectonic plate dew.

[blueballs]

Are you talking about Kris Wilson? He signed with Philly. But a Kris Wilson blog would be awesome.

November 14, 2005 - I didn't touch the ball again this week, but I did some blocking. If I keep my head down and my mouth shut I think I can keep drawing paychecks for at least three more seasons.

January 22, 2008 - Al called. He said there's a job waiting for me in Washington. I LOVE THIS LEAGUE!

February 10, 2008 - Al got fired from the Redskins. Mood: depressed.

February 11, 2008 - The Eagles signed me! I get to play with Donovan McNabb! I have 42 career catches. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

I was comparing him to Brodie's off season wedding
the Bigfoot bit was worth it

[noa]

I have a feeling all those people telling him not to get married would STFU if they saw who he was marrying.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

No, it was tectonic plate dew.

LMAO

[Phobia]

Also I get where Cooley is talking about his diet like that. When I was playing football, I ate exactly like that but I worked out all the time and was active so it didnt bother me at all.

Yeah and it works because you and he are both really good NFL players.

He's definitely a character but it sounds like he has a whole lot of growing up to do. He's in for a world of hurt when he comes crashing back to earth after he's married and realizes he probably needs a LIFETIME of marriage advice. We all do because nothing can quite prepare you for marriage, especially not drinking contests with your future FIL.

Then the whole "I eat what I want when I want to" attitude is just mind-boggling. If there isn't enough documented evidence of how improving diet has improved professional player's game over the years for him, then I don't know what to do for the guy.

He definitely is his own cavalier guy and it's awesome that he puts in the work but imagine how much better he could perform on a healthy diet. The Redskins should crack him in the head a few times.

Just in case you don't agree with my post here's another pic of the broad.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/images/08/09/cooley_clicks.jpg

[kepp]

He's halfway to four-popped-collars-cool.

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__3/ept_sports_nfl_experts-979826783-1211379478.jpg?ymYMca_CXKd3YHhU

[Skip Towne]

I'd do her.

[phisherman]

those collars aren't popped. look to the douch3's avatar for the "authentic" look.

[kepp]

those collars aren't popped. look to the douch3's avatar for the "authentic" look.

Your right...he's got a ways to go. BAM!

[Phobia]

He's halfway to four-popped-collars-cool.

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__3/ept_sports_nfl_experts-979826783-1211379478.jpg?ymYMca_CXKd3YHhU

Anybody noticing popped collars in this picture is a woman.

[teedubya]

hahah.

[Brock]

Anybody noticing popped collars in this picture is a woman.

What else is there to look at, her hairdo? Queer.

[Phobia]

What else is there to look at, her hairdo? Queer.
Maybe it's just me but I was admiring the gentle slope of her back into the crescendo of her ass. I'm a sucker for that and she's a specimen.

[Extra Point]

"After our vows the only promise I will make is to not stuff the cake all over Christy's face."

The guy's real polite.

(Oh, ye, with minds of filth!)

[Mr. Flopnuts]

"After our vows the only promise I will make is to not spurt the cake batter all over Christy's face."

The guy's real polite.

(Oh, ye, with minds of filth!)

FYP

[Spicy McHaggis]

He definitely is his own cavalier guy and it's awesome that he puts in the work but imagine how much better he could perform on a healthy diet. The Redskins should crack him in the head a few times.

He could have had a V8

[StcChief]

Cooley still would look great in Red/Gold. Hutard/Wesley and 09 pick sounds great :)

[Hammock Parties]

Love this guy's blog.

http://chriscooley47.blogspot.com/

Thank God Michael Strahan (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/2579/) is retiring. He's doing me a favor by relieving plenty of stress from my life two weeks a year. Number 92 has beaten my ass enough times for any 36 year-old man.

I'm happy I don't have to worry about it anymore, but at the same time I'm a little disappointed. With this offseason's retirement of Strahan, as well as Brett Favre, almost none of my childhood idols are left in the game. The fact remains, though, that Michael Strahan has been, and in my opinion still would be, a major force in the NFL.

In my eight Skins-Giants matchups I would define Strahan as the most intelligent defensive player on the field. I guess that's bound to happen toward the end of a fifteen-year career; a career that began after the 1993 draft, about the same time I was finishing up the sixth grade. He made his first Pro Bowl shortly after I wrapped up my first season on the Logan High freshman football team. Even better, No. 92 set the NFL record for sacks (22.5) and was named Defensive Player of the Year while I sat the bench on a below-average Utah State squad. As I entered the NFL, Michael Strahan became a looming standard of competition. He played at a level far above anything I'd ever seen before and keeping up with him has made me a better player.

One of my favorite memories of Strahan happened last season at FedEx field. Right tackle Jon Jansen suffered a season-ending injury two weeks earlier and our offense was having some problems controlling the right side of the line. We had built ourselves a lead in the game, but it quickly diminished as our offense became extremely conservative. Throughout the second half I stayed in from my tight end position on third downs to pass block Strahan. I had mixed things up and held my own, but in the fourth quarter there was a breaking point.

We finished up a second-down run for nothing and were facing another third-and-long. Michael looks at me and says, "Cooley, I know you've been stayin' in blockin' me all day on third down. You ain't gonna block me anymore!" I didn't give up a sack, but I may as well have. Strahan collapsed the pocket and as Jason Campbell tried to get rid of the ball he fumbled. On the way back to the sideline I hear a voice behind me saying, "You better start running some routes ‘cause you're not here to block me!" As I looked over my shoulder I will never forget that big-ass Strahan grin.

Putting in a game tape of Giants film, the first thing a player will notice about Strahan is that he is a yard in the backfield before most of the offense has moved. Someone might guess he has a spy in the huddle telling him the snap count, but he is just that fast. Whatever football sense he has developed has allowed him a huge advantage getting off and getting around the ball. Pair his knowledge with an uncanny ability to explode 260 pounds around the football field and he is remarkably hard to control.

The Redskins faced the Giants later last season on a miserable windy day in New York. Before we handed the Giants their second-to-last loss preceding the Super Bowl, a Big Blue hand fell on my shoulder. Michael Strahan was there to tell me congrats on making my first Pro Bowl and then something I will always remember: "Good luck." Then he looks toward my eyes and says, "You deserve everything, Cooley. You're a great player."

Well, I'm sure Michael has heard this before, but I want to say it. He deserves everything. He has always been a great football player.

[Phobia]

I met Mike at the same 101 Banquet that Joe Delaney was being announced as entering the Chiefs ROF and Strahan was honored as NFC DPOY. While we're not best buds nor would he even remember my name, he's obviously a warm guy with a fantastic sense of humor. He and Peyton Manning hung out all night.

That gap in his teeth is even bigger in person than it is on the bigscreen in my living room.

[stlchiefs]

Favre and Strahan, what an un-believable acting duo.