Now I know what Riggo would have done in the age of the Internet.
Redskins tight end Chris Cooley recently married a former Redskinette. But one day before the nuptials, Cooley posted two revealing photos of his soon-to-be bride on chriscooley47.blogspot.com. And, Christy still married him.
Captain Chaos trumps Agent Zero for best Washington blog by an athlete. But, Cooley discovered Redskins fans can be a bit prudish. The tight end said about half the comments on his site were negative from fans not knowing Cooley posted the photos with Christy’s permission and assistance.
“We got a lot of different comments. It was about 50-50 good and bad,” Cooley said. “Christy and I thought it was a lot of fun. We kinda did it together one day. We had a blast doing it. I thought it was a cool idea. She liked it. She’s done pictures in Maxim [magazine] before.
“There was a lot of negative feedback about what kind of couple we are and not going to last. But a lot of people said great things.”
Criticizing wives is usually out of bounds with public figures, and rightfully so. Cooley is a little too mellow to let much bother him, but the Pro Bowler learned blogging gives Internet haters a clear shot more than hecklers in the stands.
Cooley writes a great column. A very revealing (but not for children) explanation of how NFL drug testing is conducted told more than most fans want to know. Cooley posted photos and video of his wedding. (Love the pink tie with the white suit.) Cooley will talk about anything — the same way former Redskins Hall of Famer John Riggins connects with fans.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s been a different deal to sit down and write stuff like that. I think the best thing about it is I can read instant feedback. You have to take the good with the bad. I’ve had a lot of interesting and negative feedback, but you have to laugh about it.”
Cooley is preparing thank you cards to the many fans who sent wedding gifts. A truck load of stuff, he said. Should have registered for some cool things instead of the usual plates and towels, though.
“I guess I should have picked out more things at Macy’s,” he said. “I think we’ll [write the cards] together. I’m kinda excited. I got half the note cards mixed up.”
If you sent plates and are thanked for silverware, well, Cooley meant well.
Asked if he would be a better football player as amarried man, Cooley didn’t even blink over a loaded question.
“I don’t think my lifestyle will change much,” he said. “We’ve lived together for the last two years so it’s just another step.”
All the best, Chris.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
