Amari Cooper of the Dallas Cowboys is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

According to a recent interview by former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner on NFL.com, Cooper believes that his love of the game of chess also aids him during games.

When asked by Warner, “What’s your greatest strength? What do you believe separates you from other great players?” Cooper responded by saying, “Just being able to think three steps ahead of the guy. So as a receiver, my game is to try to make my route look like a different route than I’m actually running.”

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Cowboys News
Dallas Cowboys former player Dez Bryant before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Dez Bryant makes statement on Pride MonthZachary Draves ·
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs to score a touchdown on a pass reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Jacksonville won 20-10.
Cowboys’ George Pickens claims he ‘forced’ Steelers tradeMalik Brown ·
Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue next to LB Jack Sanborn and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Dallas Cowboys.
3 Dallas Cowboys hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys rumors: Mike Florio blasts Dallas for fumbling Micah Parsons situationJaren Kawada ·
Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) runs on to the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys’ Juanyeh Thomas opens up about Mike McCarthy after ‘fun again’ postRichard Pereira ·
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) tries to break free from Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (13) during the first half Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Cowboys get ‘optimistic’ update on defensive starLorenzo J Reyna ·

Indeed, a big part of chess is the idea of predicting your opponent’s next move and trying to prevent a foe’s plan from taking shape. While that’s easier said than done, Cooper was able to tie that back to being an NFL wideout with aplomb.

Indeed, Cooper’s ability to read defenses through careful study – as well as his penchant for multi-dimensional, chess-style thinking – make him one of the most dangerous receivers in the league.

Over the course of five seasons in the league, the 26-year-old Cooper has amassed over 5,000 yards receiving to go along with 33 touchdowns, 357 receptions, and 584 targets. Cooper had his best season last year with the Cowboys as he amassed 79 receptions for 1189 yards and 8 touchdowns —  both of which were career-highs.

Of course, Cooper spent the first three and a half seasons of his career with the Oakland Raiders before being traded halfway through the 2018 season.