Cooley was drafted #81 by the Washington Redskins in the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent his entire career with the Redskins from 2004 to 2012. In 2007 he signed a six year contract extension worth $30 million. During his NFL career Cooley was two time Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and 2008. He was also named All-Pro in 2005 and is the Washington Redskins All-Time Leader in Receptions at Tight End with 429. After retiring he joined the Redskins’ radio broadcast team as an analyst and also co-hosts a sports radio show on ESPN 980 in Washington D.C.