Chris Cooley Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Rise of a Gridiron Maverick

Chris Cooley — full name Christopher Ken Cooley — was born on July 11, 1982 in Powell, Wyoming. Growing up in a sports-minded family, Cooley gravitated toward athletics early on. While attending Logan High School in Utah, he became a three-sport standout: football, wrestling, and baseball. In his senior year he not only caught 45 passes for 625 yards as a tight end, but also compiled a perfect 54–0 wrestling record, clinching the state championship and earning All-America honors.

His athleticism and versatility caught the eye of college scouts. Cooley accepted a scholarship at Utah State University, where he played for the Aggies through the early 2000s. There, he carved out a legacy: by his senior season, he led all NCAA tight ends in receptions, hauled in 62 passes for 732 yards and six touchdowns, earned first-team All–Sun Belt honors, and drew attention as a semifinalist for the coveted tight end award.

Loyalty, Production — and “Captain Chaos”

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Cooley was selected in the third round (81st overall) by Washington Redskins. What began as modest playing time quickly transformed into a full-blown breakout. In his rookie year he led the team in touchdowns with six — a rare feat for a first-year tight end — and recorded 37 receptions for 314 yards.

Over the course of a nine-season career (2004–2012), Cooley became one of the most dependable tight ends in the league. He finished with 429 receptions, 4,711 receiving yards, and 33 touchdowns, cementing his place as the Redskins’ all-time leader in receptions by a tight end.

Cooley earned Pro Bowl honors in 2007 and 2008, affirming his status among the NFL’s elite.  But beyond statistics, what made him stand out was his personality — a peculiar, magnetic blend of humor, irreverence, and fearlessness on and off the field. Teammates and fans affectionately dubbed him “Captain Chaos.” According to legend, the nickname stuck after he boldly introduced himself at the coin toss as “Captain Chaos.” 

More Than Football: Art, Media, and Life After the Game

Retirement did not quiet Cooley’s creative spirit. He pivoted into broadcasting and commentary — joining the Redskins’ radio broadcast team — while dabbling in the arts. Cooley once opened an art gallery, blending his athletic legacy with a genuine passion for visual art and personal expression.

This transition reflects a man comfortable with reinvention — not defined solely by his NFL identity, but open to exploring broader chapters in life. The shift also underscores how Cooley forged a multifaceted public persona: athlete, entertainer, artist, and storyteller.

Personal Chapters: Relationships, Family, and Finding Home

Cooley’s personal life has drawn some public interest over the years. His first known marriage was to a woman named Angela; the union ended in divorce in 2005. Later that same year, he began dating Christy Oglevee — a cheerleader for the Redskins. The two married on May 23, 2008 in Lansdowne, Virginia. Their relationship later ended: they separated in January 2012 and announced their intention to divorce by September of that year.

In his current chapter, Chris Cooley is married to a woman named Madi Debray. Together they have at least one child, a daughter named Sloane Cooley, born on September 11, 2014.  The family later welcomed a son, Bodhi Cooley, born in 2017.

In recent years, Cooley and his family relocated back to his childhood hometown of Powell, Wyoming, marking a full-circle journey from small-town roots, to national spotlight, and back home.

Financial Footprint: A Net Worth Built on Versatility

Estimations place Chris Cooley’s net worth at approximately US$ 8 million — the result of his NFL earnings, media work, and ventures like his art gallery. Those earnings reflect not just his performance on the field, but also strategic diversification off it.

While professional athletes often struggle with the transition after retirement, Cooley’s path shows resilience and reinvention. His story is an example of how disciplined talent — paired with personality and entrepreneurship — can translate into sustainable success beyond sports.

Why Chris Cooley’s Journey Still Resonates

Chris Cooley’s tale stands apart because it marries high-level athletic achievement with unapologetic individuality. On the field, he delivered consistently, becoming a reliable target and franchise record-holder. Off the field, he refused to be pigeonholed. He embraced art, media, and family life — all while bringing the same energy that once made stadiums chant “Cooooleyy.”

His birthday — July 11, 1982 — remains a reminder of humble beginnings; his net worth and life today reflect a man who refused to let his legacy stop at the final whistle. For readers interested in resilience, reinvention, and authenticity, Chris Cooley remains a compelling figure.