Jonathan Cooper’s first pitch as an NFL player is a strike

Posted Apr 29, 2013
Jonathan Cooper won’t play his first professional football game for the Arizona Cardinals until next fall, but he’s already made his Major League Baseball debut. Sort of. Twenty four hours after becoming the first offensive guard picked in the NFL draft, the former UNC star threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Friday’s game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. (Wilmington Star News)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

UNC LB Coach Jamie Collins Pre-Pitt Press Conference Video & Takeaways
UNC inside linebackers coach Jamie Collins met with reporters Monday as the Tar Heels prepare for their noon matchup at Pittsburgh on Saturday. Few know...
Mon Oct 5, 2026

Jaden Jefferson Named ACC Football Specialist Of The Week
After scoring the Tar Heels' first kickoff return for a touchdown since 2024, North Carolina freshman Jaden Jefferson has been named the the ACC Specialist...
Mon Oct 5, 2026

UNC Football Game At Duke Set For 3:30 Kickoff On ESPN2
The ACC and its TV partners have announced that the 2026 edition of the Battle for the Victory Bell on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Duke...
Mon Oct 5, 2026

Video: Bill Belichick Monday Football Pre-Pittsburgh Press Conference
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick speaks with the media on Monday to review the Tar Heels' game against Notre Dame and look ahead...
Mon Oct 5, 2026