SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. (WKBN) — Former Slippery Rock University standout lineman Joe Cooper has accepted an invitation to rookie minicamp with the New York Jets.

“I’m really excited for Joe to get this chance to prove that he can play at the next level,” said SRU head coach Shawn Lutz. “He worked his tail off for us over the last four years to become one of the best offensive linemen in the country at our level, and he chose to stay here and finish his career at SRU this year, which tells you a lot about the kind of person and teammate he is. We know he is going to keep working hard to prove he can play at the next level.”

Cooper officially stands at just over 6-foot-6 and nearly 330 pounds. Back in January, he was the only player from any Division II school in the country to be invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

He is the first SRU offensive lineman to earn consensus All-America honors since 2015.

The offensive tackle picked up first team All-America honors from the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association while also being named to the D2football.com, Walter Camp, D2 Conference Commissioner’s Association and Don Hansen All-America teams.

He was also one of the eight national finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year trophy and picked up first team All-Region and All-Conference honors as well.

Cooper started every game in 2025 at left tackle. He appeared in 43 games over his SRU career and started the last 38 straight games.

Cooper becomes the 11th Slippery Rock player to get a chance with an NFL team since 2015.

Jets’ rookie mini camp will begin on May 8.

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