Completed Event: Football at Fordham on October 18, 2025 , Win , 30, to, 13
Final
Football
at Fordham
30
13
Q&A with David Chalmers and Rashaad Cooper
11/21/2018 9:10:00 AM | Football
The following exchange was originally printed in a condensed form in the Brown game program. The complete discussion is printed here to allow fans to get to know some of the Big Green players a little better.
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DartmouthSports: What made you want to attend Dartmouth?
Rashaad Cooper: I wanted to attend Dartmouth because I felt the most genuine vibe from this school. Coach Brooks, Coach Teevens, and the rest of the team truly made me feel like this was where I belonged. I understood the combination of an Ivy League education and Division 1 football to be a life-changing opportunity, which it has been for me. I also saw it as an opportunity to set an example for other kids in my community. Being the only male athlete in my hometown's graduating class and the first in my high school football program's history to accept a D1 offer, I wanted to prove that my peers and I deserved the same opportunities that were presented to others elsewhere.
David Chalmers: When I was going through the recruiting process I visited a number of places, but I distinctly remember the first time I came to Dartmouth. I was up for my official visit only because somehow, Coach Brooks saw a speck of potential in me. But just a few days before, I received the news from my doctor that I had torn my ACL. Pretty much every other school I was talking to shut me down when I told them the news, so while I was excited to come up for my visit, my morale was low. When I got off the van at the Hanover Inn and looked across the Green, I remember having this strong gut feeling that this is what college was supposed to look like. After looking around, I go to take my first step toward the Inn and I found a dollar bill on the ground, so things were off to a great start. Throughout my visit, I was wowed by the sense of brotherhood among the team and the passion of the coaches but was still unsure of how they would receive the news of my injury. I sat down with Coach T and told them how much I loved Dartmouth but that I had this knee injury. I thought that like the others, this would be the deal-breaker, but I'll never forget his response. Without hesitation, he gave me a smile and said that he was excited about it. He was excited that I would get a year of lifting and learning before I was expected to contribute. At the end of my visit, he extended an offer and I immediately accepted. He told me I should take some time to think about it, but I didn't need to. After a few more attempts to slow my decision-making, he finally conceded. They took a chance on me and in the process, I found the school that would push me academically and athletically to my max capacity.
Â
DS: What is one memory from your time with the Big Green that you will never forget?
RC: A memory that I'll never forget is beating Harvard at home for the first time in 25 years on our senior homecoming. It was a streak that had hung over this program for far too long and I am proud that we were able to get that win in front of our Big Green family on that special weekend. I feel like that was a representation of the hard work that this team has put in over these past couple years.
DC: There are so many memories I will carry with me but the one that sticks out the most is the recent victory over Harvard during homecoming weekend. Breaking that losing streak was definitely a defining moment for our team this year but really encompassed the hard work and dedication of the teams that came before us. It was incredible to see their support and celebrate the victory with them and is something I will remember forever.
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DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
RC: After graduation I plan to keep playing football as long as I can. Beyond that, I plan to go into consulting back in California.
DC: As of right now, I don't have any plans set in stone. Luckily, I still have another season with the team next year but I haven't really thought too far past that quite yet.
Â
DS: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
RC: If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to West Africa because that is where my roots are. I feel like throughout my years of schooling, I've been taught a lot about European history and not enough about Africa's rich history. I'd love to get over there and see where my ancestors come from.
DC: This is a tough question because there are a ton of places I'd love to go see. I do want to go to Asia at some point and experience a culture that's so different than mine. Or New Zealand just because I've heard from guys on the team that have gone before how naturally stunning it is.
Â
DS: Who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?
RC: Both my mother and my father have had the biggest influence on my life. They have made a great tag-team, my mother pushing me to excel in school and my dad pushing me in sports. I am grateful for the values that they have instilled in me and their consistent message to strive for greatness. I couldn't have asked for better role models, not only because of what they've taught me to do but because of how they've lived their own lives. I am blessed to have been raised by two honorable, impactful people.
DC: My parents and younger sister have absolutely had the biggest impact on my life. My mom and dad have provided me the greatest example of how to live a simultaneously successful and happy life, and I will never be able to thank them enough for that. My sister has always been there for me, whether I've appreciated it or not. She's been my go-to best friend since I was 3 and while I may not have always played nice, she kept playing with me all the same. Coach Brooks, though, has definitely had the biggest impact on my time here at Dartmouth. He's coached me not only on the football field but also about confidence, dealing with adversity, and being a man. I will be forever thankful for what these people have taught and done for me.
Â
DS: What is your favorite memory of your childhood?
RC: My favorite memory of my childhood is making lifelong friendships through sports. I was fortunate enough that most of my closest friends lived in the same neighborhood as me, so we spent a lot of time hanging out and cruising around. I'm glad to say that I grew up in an era that still spent time outside.
DC: My favorite childhood memory is definitely a mega trip I got to take with my family. We spent two weeks in Africa followed by three weeks traveling around in Europe. Just the trip itself was obviously an incredible experience but getting to do it with my family made it that much better. It was really cool to go all these places and super fun but on top of that, my family grew a lot closer because of it.
Â
DS: If you could swap places with one teammate, who would it be and why?
RC: If I could swap places with one teammate it would be Matt Shearin. Mostly because he already has a job and he's going to be richer than all of us. I also respect his work ethic and his positive attitude in any situation.
DC: I would switch with Bun or Kamana just because I'm so jealous that they live in Hawaii. They always nonchalantly tell crazy stories of what they did during breaks or things they grew up doing that are so different than anything I've really experienced. Either them or one of the freshmen, because I'm jealous that they are just starting their college experience. I never believed all the older guys that said it would go so quickly but now here I am, wishing I could go back and do it again.
Â
DS: What does being a member of the Big Green family mean to you?
RC: To me, being a member of the Big Green family means embracing the community of students, alumni, and faculty and staff. We come from all over the world, bringing a wide variety of experiences to this small town where we develop a unique love for the college and loyalty to the community. Dartmouth exists in a bubble that feels like it's cut off from the rest of the world, and that's why the college has such an impact on people. On campus, we embrace each other and in the outside world, we gravitate towards each other.
DC: I think that being a member of the Big Green is something very unique. It's an understanding and a respect that binds us together. It consists of those who are striving for further success in something that they are already better than most at which is a pretty special group to be a part of. It's this respect and understanding that has led to a high-energy culture where everyone is always willing to help and cheer others along in anything they're doing.
Â
DS: If you could go back to freshman year and give yourself advice, what would it be?
RC: If I could give my freshman-self advice, I would tell him that sticking out the four years here is truly worth it. After spending two winters at UCLA, I have another college experience to compare it to and I still prefer Dartmouth. The things that I've learned about life and about myself during my time here are things that I wouldn't have learned in an environment closer to my comfort zone. This school also brings friends together in a way that's uncommon.
DC: I have a ton of things I would go back and tell freshman me but the main one would be to do more things and save sleep for the breaks. It was hard for me to realize it then but looking back now, those few extra minutes I could've spent hanging with friends, going to events, meeting people, and studying really add up. I would tell myself to really try not to procrastinate anything because there's so much to do here that you'll find yourself out of time before you've done everything that you want to.
Â
DS: What do you like most about living in the Upper Valley?
RC: My favorite thing about living in the Upper Valley is seeing nature undisturbed. I feel like the trees, the mountains, and the rivers are representations of the peace that humans should pursue in our own lives. Whenever I get tired or upset, I like to look to the trees as reminders that everything will be alright.
DC: I really enjoy the scenic nature and outdoor opportunities that living up here provides. Not only that but there's something about being up in the woods that really brings the student body closer as a whole.
Â
DS: Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
RC: Omar Epps would play me in the movie version of my life. I feel like his laid-back personality fits me, but I also like how versatile his characters are, like in Juice and Love and Basketball.
DC: Probably Matt Damon. He'd have to pack on some pounds for the role but I think the looks would obviously translate.
Â
DS: You step outside tomorrow morning and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million (after taxes). What would you do with the money?
RC: If I found a $10 million-dollar lottery ticket, the first thing I'd do is retire my parents. I'd buy a house for myself and one for them, and I'd buy cars for all three of us plus one for my younger sister. I'd plan a trip for my closest family and friends, and I'd save and invest the rest of the money.
DC: With $10 million, I would probably invest in my teammates' ideas and schemes. That's probably not what the investment guys on the team would tell me to do; the risk is too high. But, I'd either make a ton of money or have a fun time losing it. I'd also set aside enough money to pay for my sister to go here, regardless of the return on my other investments.
Â
DS: If you participate in any service activities, what are they and how did you get involved?
RC: I am a member of the Student Presidential Committee for Sexual Assault along with David Emanuels. We develop campus initiatives to prevent and address sexual assault. I got involved because I noticed an issue with sexual assault on our campus and saw an opportunity to help work towards solutions. Jeremiah Douchee '17 and Josh Davis '18, two of my close friends and former teammates, were on the committee, which motivated me to apply.
DC: This touches back on my advice to myself. I wish I had been more involved in the community up here. I really had a good time cheering on the CHaD Hero participants the past few falls and visiting the Kendal Retirement Community with my teammates and fraternity members but other guys on the team do so much more and I wish I had gotten more involved with them.
Â
DartmouthSports: What made you want to attend Dartmouth?
Rashaad Cooper: I wanted to attend Dartmouth because I felt the most genuine vibe from this school. Coach Brooks, Coach Teevens, and the rest of the team truly made me feel like this was where I belonged. I understood the combination of an Ivy League education and Division 1 football to be a life-changing opportunity, which it has been for me. I also saw it as an opportunity to set an example for other kids in my community. Being the only male athlete in my hometown's graduating class and the first in my high school football program's history to accept a D1 offer, I wanted to prove that my peers and I deserved the same opportunities that were presented to others elsewhere.
David Chalmers: When I was going through the recruiting process I visited a number of places, but I distinctly remember the first time I came to Dartmouth. I was up for my official visit only because somehow, Coach Brooks saw a speck of potential in me. But just a few days before, I received the news from my doctor that I had torn my ACL. Pretty much every other school I was talking to shut me down when I told them the news, so while I was excited to come up for my visit, my morale was low. When I got off the van at the Hanover Inn and looked across the Green, I remember having this strong gut feeling that this is what college was supposed to look like. After looking around, I go to take my first step toward the Inn and I found a dollar bill on the ground, so things were off to a great start. Throughout my visit, I was wowed by the sense of brotherhood among the team and the passion of the coaches but was still unsure of how they would receive the news of my injury. I sat down with Coach T and told them how much I loved Dartmouth but that I had this knee injury. I thought that like the others, this would be the deal-breaker, but I'll never forget his response. Without hesitation, he gave me a smile and said that he was excited about it. He was excited that I would get a year of lifting and learning before I was expected to contribute. At the end of my visit, he extended an offer and I immediately accepted. He told me I should take some time to think about it, but I didn't need to. After a few more attempts to slow my decision-making, he finally conceded. They took a chance on me and in the process, I found the school that would push me academically and athletically to my max capacity.
Â
DS: What is one memory from your time with the Big Green that you will never forget?
RC: A memory that I'll never forget is beating Harvard at home for the first time in 25 years on our senior homecoming. It was a streak that had hung over this program for far too long and I am proud that we were able to get that win in front of our Big Green family on that special weekend. I feel like that was a representation of the hard work that this team has put in over these past couple years.
DC: There are so many memories I will carry with me but the one that sticks out the most is the recent victory over Harvard during homecoming weekend. Breaking that losing streak was definitely a defining moment for our team this year but really encompassed the hard work and dedication of the teams that came before us. It was incredible to see their support and celebrate the victory with them and is something I will remember forever.
Â
Â
DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
RC: After graduation I plan to keep playing football as long as I can. Beyond that, I plan to go into consulting back in California.
DC: As of right now, I don't have any plans set in stone. Luckily, I still have another season with the team next year but I haven't really thought too far past that quite yet.
Â
DS: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
RC: If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to West Africa because that is where my roots are. I feel like throughout my years of schooling, I've been taught a lot about European history and not enough about Africa's rich history. I'd love to get over there and see where my ancestors come from.
DC: This is a tough question because there are a ton of places I'd love to go see. I do want to go to Asia at some point and experience a culture that's so different than mine. Or New Zealand just because I've heard from guys on the team that have gone before how naturally stunning it is.
Â
DS: Who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?
RC: Both my mother and my father have had the biggest influence on my life. They have made a great tag-team, my mother pushing me to excel in school and my dad pushing me in sports. I am grateful for the values that they have instilled in me and their consistent message to strive for greatness. I couldn't have asked for better role models, not only because of what they've taught me to do but because of how they've lived their own lives. I am blessed to have been raised by two honorable, impactful people.
DC: My parents and younger sister have absolutely had the biggest impact on my life. My mom and dad have provided me the greatest example of how to live a simultaneously successful and happy life, and I will never be able to thank them enough for that. My sister has always been there for me, whether I've appreciated it or not. She's been my go-to best friend since I was 3 and while I may not have always played nice, she kept playing with me all the same. Coach Brooks, though, has definitely had the biggest impact on my time here at Dartmouth. He's coached me not only on the football field but also about confidence, dealing with adversity, and being a man. I will be forever thankful for what these people have taught and done for me.
Â
DS: What is your favorite memory of your childhood?
RC: My favorite memory of my childhood is making lifelong friendships through sports. I was fortunate enough that most of my closest friends lived in the same neighborhood as me, so we spent a lot of time hanging out and cruising around. I'm glad to say that I grew up in an era that still spent time outside.
DC: My favorite childhood memory is definitely a mega trip I got to take with my family. We spent two weeks in Africa followed by three weeks traveling around in Europe. Just the trip itself was obviously an incredible experience but getting to do it with my family made it that much better. It was really cool to go all these places and super fun but on top of that, my family grew a lot closer because of it.
Â
DS: If you could swap places with one teammate, who would it be and why?
RC: If I could swap places with one teammate it would be Matt Shearin. Mostly because he already has a job and he's going to be richer than all of us. I also respect his work ethic and his positive attitude in any situation.
DC: I would switch with Bun or Kamana just because I'm so jealous that they live in Hawaii. They always nonchalantly tell crazy stories of what they did during breaks or things they grew up doing that are so different than anything I've really experienced. Either them or one of the freshmen, because I'm jealous that they are just starting their college experience. I never believed all the older guys that said it would go so quickly but now here I am, wishing I could go back and do it again.
Â
DS: What does being a member of the Big Green family mean to you?
RC: To me, being a member of the Big Green family means embracing the community of students, alumni, and faculty and staff. We come from all over the world, bringing a wide variety of experiences to this small town where we develop a unique love for the college and loyalty to the community. Dartmouth exists in a bubble that feels like it's cut off from the rest of the world, and that's why the college has such an impact on people. On campus, we embrace each other and in the outside world, we gravitate towards each other.
DC: I think that being a member of the Big Green is something very unique. It's an understanding and a respect that binds us together. It consists of those who are striving for further success in something that they are already better than most at which is a pretty special group to be a part of. It's this respect and understanding that has led to a high-energy culture where everyone is always willing to help and cheer others along in anything they're doing.
Â
DS: If you could go back to freshman year and give yourself advice, what would it be?
RC: If I could give my freshman-self advice, I would tell him that sticking out the four years here is truly worth it. After spending two winters at UCLA, I have another college experience to compare it to and I still prefer Dartmouth. The things that I've learned about life and about myself during my time here are things that I wouldn't have learned in an environment closer to my comfort zone. This school also brings friends together in a way that's uncommon.
DC: I have a ton of things I would go back and tell freshman me but the main one would be to do more things and save sleep for the breaks. It was hard for me to realize it then but looking back now, those few extra minutes I could've spent hanging with friends, going to events, meeting people, and studying really add up. I would tell myself to really try not to procrastinate anything because there's so much to do here that you'll find yourself out of time before you've done everything that you want to.
Â
DS: What do you like most about living in the Upper Valley?
RC: My favorite thing about living in the Upper Valley is seeing nature undisturbed. I feel like the trees, the mountains, and the rivers are representations of the peace that humans should pursue in our own lives. Whenever I get tired or upset, I like to look to the trees as reminders that everything will be alright.
DC: I really enjoy the scenic nature and outdoor opportunities that living up here provides. Not only that but there's something about being up in the woods that really brings the student body closer as a whole.
Â
DS: Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
RC: Omar Epps would play me in the movie version of my life. I feel like his laid-back personality fits me, but I also like how versatile his characters are, like in Juice and Love and Basketball.
DC: Probably Matt Damon. He'd have to pack on some pounds for the role but I think the looks would obviously translate.
Â
DS: You step outside tomorrow morning and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million (after taxes). What would you do with the money?
RC: If I found a $10 million-dollar lottery ticket, the first thing I'd do is retire my parents. I'd buy a house for myself and one for them, and I'd buy cars for all three of us plus one for my younger sister. I'd plan a trip for my closest family and friends, and I'd save and invest the rest of the money.
DC: With $10 million, I would probably invest in my teammates' ideas and schemes. That's probably not what the investment guys on the team would tell me to do; the risk is too high. But, I'd either make a ton of money or have a fun time losing it. I'd also set aside enough money to pay for my sister to go here, regardless of the return on my other investments.
Â
DS: If you participate in any service activities, what are they and how did you get involved?
RC: I am a member of the Student Presidential Committee for Sexual Assault along with David Emanuels. We develop campus initiatives to prevent and address sexual assault. I got involved because I noticed an issue with sexual assault on our campus and saw an opportunity to help work towards solutions. Jeremiah Douchee '17 and Josh Davis '18, two of my close friends and former teammates, were on the committee, which motivated me to apply.
DC: This touches back on my advice to myself. I wish I had been more involved in the community up here. I really had a good time cheering on the CHaD Hero participants the past few falls and visiting the Kendal Retirement Community with my teammates and fraternity members but other guys on the team do so much more and I wish I had gotten more involved with them.
Players Mentioned
DT
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DE
/ Football
LB
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