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Longtime Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley is joining the team's radio broadcasting crew.
The Redskins Radio Network announced Tuesday that Cooley will provide analysis starting with the first preseason game next month. The Washington Post reported that Cooley will retire as a player after nine seasons.
Cooley was a third-round draft pick in 2004 out of Utah State. He didn't miss a game during his first five seasons and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, but injuries began to limit his production. He was eventually passed on the depth chart by Fred Davis.
Cooley was released after training camp last year, then was re-signed after Davis was injured. Cooley has 429 career catches for 4,711 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Cooley was a standout athlete at Logan High School before attending Utah State. Along with Kevin Curtis, Cooley was among the more spectacular players during Utah State's Sun Belt years, leading all NCAA tight ends in receiving yards as a senior.
Cooley told The Washington Post he would not file his official retirement papers with the NFL immediately, leaving open a slim possibility of a return as a player. But he said he does not intend to play again.