ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Amari Cooper has compiled an impressive career in the NFL over the past ten years, marked by significant catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns. However, he acknowledges that his journey has been missing a crucial element: playoff success. At 30 years old, Cooper is cherishing the opportunity to partake in the AFC Championship game with the Buffalo Bills, stating he would not trade this chance for anything else.

Following a practice session on Wednesday, Cooper expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing that he has never advanced as far in the playoffs as he has this season. As the Bills gear up to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, Cooper reflected on his mindset. “I’m very satisfied. I’ve never been this far in the playoffs,” he shared. He further elaborated that while it is a common desire for receivers to aim for high catch volumes each game, winning games holds far greater significance for him. “Winning is way more important, and there are many ways to win,” he added with a tone of relief and fulfillment, noting that he has experienced different facets of the sport but has yet to reach the pinnacle of success.

Cooper, who joined the Bills in a mid-October trade from the Cleveland Browns, has seamlessly blended into a team that embodies a selfless mentality fostered by offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The “Everybody Eats” mantra was born out of necessity after the team lost both top wide receiver Stefon Diggs and No. 2 option Gabe Davis. Initially, Cooper’s arrival was seen as a vital addition to help fill the gaps in the offense. However, the season has seen a widespread distribution of production, with 13 players catching touchdowns, yet no single player exceeding 900 receiving yards.

Amari Cooper has spotlighted his own moments of brilliance, including scoring a touchdown during his debut with the Bills and executing a critical lateral that led to a touchdown by quarterback Josh Allen in a pivotal win over San Francisco. Despite having previously topped 1,000 yards and 70 catches in seven seasons, the current campaign has marked a downturn in Cooper’s stats, with only 44 receptions (20 with Buffalo) for 547 yards (297 in Buffalo) and four touchdowns. However, he remains unbothered by these numbers.

“This shows how many players are contributing effectively that the team can succeed even if I’m not at the forefront,” Cooper commented. His humility is evident as he speaks of placing team objectives above personal achievements. Brady has noted that Cooper’s easygoing demeanor contributes greatly to the team dynamic and that his presence on the field commands respect and attention from rival defenses. “He’s part of our group that makes our group kind of who they are, and he’s leading it,” Brady shared.

Cooper’s success spans back to his college days at Alabama, where he recorded 59 catches for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his freshman year, contributing to a national championship for the Crimson Tide. Yet, at the professional level, playoff victories have eluded him. As the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Cooper has participated in four playoff games, winning just once and accumulating 25 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns. In contrast, during his time with Buffalo, he has experienced two wins but has managed only two catches totaling 8 yards.

Reflecting on his career, Cooper remarked, “I’ve had tremendous years in the league, Pro Bowls and all those things. But none of them will amount to winning that last game.” As he stands just two victories away from a championship, Cooper’s commitment to his preparation is unwavering. “You keep preparing, and one day everything will fall into place. That’s how it feels. It feels like I’ve prepared for this moment all my life.”