Texan football player proposes on senior day

BY EMMA VANBECELAERE / Multimedia Journalist

Tarleton Texans took on Stephen F. Austin (SFA) on Nov. 4. This was last opportunity for the seniors to gear up play at the Tarleton Memorial Stadium on last time. 

Not only was this a historic day for the Texans, but it was also a moment that one player would never forget. 

The day started at Texan Ally where players marched down and Lonn Reisman delivered an emotional address, marking the end of his time as the Athletic Director this football season. He is set to retire in the Spring of 2024. 

After Reisman gave his speech, Darius Cooper senior football player surprised the crowd with unexpected question. 

With happiness and love in his eyes, Cooper got down on one knee and proposed to Kennady Carter, his girlfriend. Overwhelmed by feelings, Carter said yes.

“At the time, I was shocked because I couldn’t believe that it was finally happening,” Carter said.

When it comes to sports, we usually care more about whether the team wins or loses, but during this game, everyone’s attention was focused on Cooper and Carter.

Cooper and Carter’s story started back in high school. 

Cooper made the decision to propose to Carter in front of the people he cares about most, his family, friends and teammates. 

When Cooper made the proposal, it was all or nothing. Carter was not prepared for him to get down on one knee, but she knew that it would happen one day but not on this day.

“I knew I was going to marry Kennady when I was in high school, so it was just a matter of time,” Cooper said.

While being a football player in Division 1 (D1), it comes with having to be patient and supporting your loved ones in doing what they do on and off the field. Carter always loved watching Cooper play football and supporting him on the field.

After that, it was time to focus as he entered the game against SFA. Cooper scored two touchdowns against SFA, and after one of them, it was time to celebrate.

“I have to give credit to Jaden Smith, who played wide receiver for Tarleton,” Cooper said. “Before the game, he told me that you had to get married to the goal post, and I said that I would do it if I scored.”

Carter had a wonderful day and was thrilled to watch her fiancé win the game. 

“I definitely didn’t think he would pop the question, he’s a brave man, but I didn’t think he would do something so significant.” Carter said, “That was incredible and made me love him even more to see the lengths he was willing to go to express his love.”

The Texans won 59-17.