Edgerrin Cooper gets wild 3-word nickname from Jon Gruden before Packers-Lions 3 Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Edgerrin Cooper gets wild 3-word nickname from Jon Gruden before Packers-Lions

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 7:34 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers are marching toward their Week 1 game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field, pounding their chests. They have every reason to feel confident about themselves, especially after just successfully trading for four-time Pro Bowler Micah Parsons.

But Parsons isn’t the be-all and end-all of Green Bay’s defense. There are great talents up and down the team’s stop unit beside the former Penn State Nittany Lions star pass rusher, including promising linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who is entering his second year in the pros.

Green Bay is expecting Cooper to show much improvement in the 2025 season, now that he’s got a full year of experience in the NFL. He should also benefit from the presence of Parsons, who’s a lock to attract double teams.

Former NFL coach gushes over Cooper and gives him intriguing nickname

On his YouTube channel, Jon Gruden previewed the upcoming showdown between the Packers and the Lions this coming Sunday, and while discussing matchups, the Super Bowl-winning head coach raved about Cooper and even gave the player a new nickname.

“Keep an eye on my guy, Edgerrin Cooper, No. 56. I call him the ‘Edge of Darkness,’ Gruden said. “He’s going to be a superstar in this league. He’s going to be a superstar in this league. I think this guy and Micah Parsons together give Green Bay two of the most exciting young players on defense. This guy got stronger in the offseason. He’s in his second year in the system, so he’s not just playing on instinct. He knows what he’s looking at.”

Selected 45th overall in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by Green Bay, Cooper had 3.5 sacks and 57 solo tackles to go along with seven quarterback hits through 14 games in his rookie campaign.

Edgerrin Cooper gets wild 3-word nickname from Jon Gruden before Packers-Lions 4 Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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