GREEN BAY, Wis. – A native of Saint Croix Falls, Wis., Tyler Cooper has been on both sides of the Packers-Vikings border war.

“I can walk two minutes across the river and be in Minnesota,” Cooper, an undrafted free agent offensive lineman, said at Green Bay Packers rookie camp.

Cooper was born in Minnesota and was a Vikings fan when he was little.

“We had a pretty split family, so I started out that way,” Cooper said. “When we moved, I had to make the transition.”

So, after going undrafted out of the University of Minnesota, why did Cooper opt to sign with the Packers rather than a different opportunity?

“It’s a historic franchise. The trophy’s named after them,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable facility here, unbelievable coaches. Everybody here has just been amazing so far.”

At Saint Croix Falls High School, Cooper was an all-state performer and the No. 10 recruit in Wisconsin, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings. His is a story of perseverance and stick-to-it-iveness. He played in one game in 2019, one game in 2020 and zero games in 2021.

Cooper played in five games in 2022, then started 21 games at left guard the last two seasons. He was honorable-mention all-Big Ten on the field in 2024 and was all-academic Big Ten from 2020 through 2024. He was selected for the East-West Shrine Bowl, with the game’s director of football operations, Eric Galko, saying Cooper could “play guard tomorrow” in the NFL.

Outside zone was his favorite play for the Gophers, though he enjoys winning with power, as well. The ability to win both ways got him to Green Bay.

“I think it’s every kid’s dream to play at this level,” Cooper said. “But I think when it really becomes like the dream that you think you can attain, maybe in college you start to really think like that, but it’s one thing at a time.”

Even after signing, the reality of being in the NFL felt surreal.

“Even after getting the news, there’s still like a bit of almost hesitation,” he said. “It doesn’t quite feel real. It doesn’t quite settle in until walking the halls like yesterday, going around, getting in meeting rooms, all that stuff. That’s when it really starts to sink in. Put on a little bit of the gear, get a ‘G’ on the chest, and that’s when it really starts to sink in there.”

For his career, he played 1,044 snaps at left guard and 265 snaps at right guard. The interior spots, including center, will be his home in the NFL. Now that he’s in the NFL, being able to play multiple positions will allow him to stay.

“I think versatility is the biggest thing,” Cooper said. “Being an O-lineman, you got to play as many spots as you can, especially coming in the way that I am as an undrafted. So, being able to play as many spots as you can, getting the playbook down, getting to know all the coaching staff and the guys around you and just hurt your tail off.”

Cooper spent the draft with close family, waiting for the moment of a lifetime. After a long wait, there were screams of joy and even a few tears.

“Last Saturday was awesome,” he said. “Hanging out with the family all day just sitting around waiting to find out what’s all going to happen. And then getting the calls and texts that this is going to be one of the places that we can go, it was a quick, quick decision to come here. I grew up watching them, been to Lambeau many times, family’s season-ticket holders. It was a dream come true to come play at a place like this.” 

The Wisconsin Badgers’ last two transfer portal quarterbacks haven’t been able to elevate the program, but Luke Fickell is hoping the latest edition of Billy Edwards Jr. can take Jeff Grimes’ offense to the next level.

National media analysts are a bit more skeptical.

247Sports ranked all 18 Big Ten quarterbacks after spring practices, and analyst Brad Crawford had Edwards outside of the Top 10.

13. Billy Edwards Jr., Wisconsin

The Badgers must get production out of the quarterback spot this fall or it could be another disappointing finish under Luke Fickell. After waiting his turn for two seasons at Maryland, Edwards finally got a starting opportunity last season and made the most of it for the Terps.

As a starter last season at Maryland, Edwards finished fourth in the Big Ten in passing yards and in the Top 10 in both completion percentage and touchdowns.

No one is arguing that he should be ahead of top QBs like Drew Allar, but it’s tough to have him ranked below quarterbacks who have yet to start a game in college like Ohio State redshirt freshman Julian Sayin.

He and Michigan true freshman Bryce Underwood are both in quarterback competitions right now and aren’t guaranteed to start Week 1, yet both are ranked well ahead of Edwards.

That might be more a reflection of the offenses around each quarterback, rather than their individual talent and ability.

It just means Edwards will have even more to prove this season as he tries to establish himself among the top QBs in the conference.

Mother’s Day weekend is starting with mild temperatures, but a shift in winds will bring cooler conditions to southeastern Wisconsin before temperatures rebound on Sunday.

Overnight lows only fell into the 50s and lower 60s across the region. However, the warmth won’t last as winds turn out of the northeast later today, with gusts potentially reaching 25-30 mph.

The lake-breeze will cause temperatures to drop throughout the afternoon. Inland areas could reach the mid and upper 60s before temperatures begin falling.

Sunday morning will start much cooler with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s. A more southerly wind will allow temperatures to quickly warm through the 50s by mid-morning.

Those taking Mom to brunch should grab a jacket! Highs will reach the lower 60s at the lakefront, while inland areas will climb to the mid-70s.

As high-pressure moves farther east, southerly winds will bring more warmth next week. Highs will jump into the upper 60s in Milwaukee, while inland areas could reach the mid and upper 70s.

A few light showers are possible on Tuesday, with the next best chance of rain and storms arriving late Thursday into Friday.

This forecast was created by a meteorologist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

SATURDAY: Mostly Sunny & Breezy; Falling PM TemperaturesHigh: 58 Lake 64 Inland
Wind: W to NE 10-20 mph

TONIGHT: Clear & Cool
Low: 41
Wind: NE 5-10 mph

SUNDAY: Sunny and Beautiful
High: 62 Lake 74 Inland

MONDAY: Mostly Sunny and Mild
High: 68 Lake 78 Inland

TUESDAY: Partly Cloudy; Slight Chance Showers
High: 67 Lake 74 Inland

WEDNESDAY: Partly Cloudy
High: 68 Lake 75 Inland

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