Tom E. Curran • E-mail

Stephen Cooper didn’t follow a simple path to the NFL. Playing high school football at a small school in Massachusetts, he then went to the University of Maine, which is better known as a hockey power.

After his senior season ended in 2002, Cooper was found in possession of steroids. Interest in him dried up until 2003 when the San Diego Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent. He’s made the most of the second chance, turning into one of the most consistently productive players on the San Diego Chargers defense.

The inside linebacker checked in to answer some Irrelevant Questions in advance of the Chargers Sunday Night Football showdown with Pittsburgh.

Q: You went to the University of Maine. Not a lot of NFL players coming out of there, Stephen. Do you ever get a hard time from teammates who played at bigger schools?

A: All the time. They give me a lot of grief about it, but at end of the day it was a great school to learn at and to play football at. I was able to become one of the top players in the conference and attract the attention of scouts there so it was good enough, I guess.

Q: You have a real tight connection to your hometown of Wareham, Mass. I know you’ve made some donations back there.

A: I have, I donated the money for the batting cages at the Little League field and I also donated money to youth basketball so that they could put some bleachers out for the parents and kids during summer basketball.

Q: Is it hard to measure where you want to donate?

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A: It can be. I have a real close connection with my family and friends back there but people sometimes think I’m worth a lot of money — millions and millions — because of what they’ve seen in the paper. They don’t understand that there are taxes and agents and that this is the most money I’ll ever make and this career doesn’t last forever. I try to stay close to the people back home but it’s kind of difficult sometimes when people are pulling on you.

Q: Is the passion different in Southern California than on the East Coast?

A: I wouldn’t say so. I think it’s similar. Back home, everyone is big Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox fans, but we have a great fanbase out here with just football and the Padres in baseball. The Padres aren’t doing that well but we’re trying to make up for them.

Q: You were named a captain this year. Was that a big deal for you?

A: It was. It pretty much shows my teammates believe in me and respect me as a leader. It’s good to know that, on or off the field, they look at me as someone who they can go to, someone who’s been through things and will be able to help.

Q: You were a pretty good high school basketball player. Who’s the best player on the Chargers?

A: Antonio Gates. He played at Kent State, so he’s pretty good. Vincent Jackson played in college too. The wide receivers and running backs are all pretty good but I have a lot of confidence in myself to play with any of them 1-on-1. During the offseason we go over to (LaDainian Tomlinson’s) house to play a lot of the time.

Q: What’s the hardest part of dealing with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger?

A: His size. Simply getting him on the ground. You wouldn’t think he’s that fast and agile but he is very mobile and moves very well. The biggest thing with him is just getting him down.

Q: What’s your take on teammate Shawne Merriman?

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A: He’s a great football player. You know he’ll go out there on Sunday and play 100 miles an hour every time. He’s a fun guy to play with. Off the field, he kind of keeps to himself and doesn’t talk to too many people. A lot of people want to point fingers at him and put him in the spotlight and I don’t think he’s always comfortable with that.

Q: Do you guys have the best uniforms in the NFL and which version is your favorite?

A: I would say, yes, definitely. We have the best uniforms in the league. My favorite would have to be the powder blues.

Q: There was a study done recently which indicates that former players between the ages of 30 and 49 suffer symptoms of dementia at 19 times the rate of the general public. Do you ever worry about long-term damage done from collisions?

A: No. I know for myself being a linebacker my whole life, it’s going to be physical. I’m going out there to inflict as much pain as I can. If I don’t do it to them, they will do it to me. As long as everything stays within the rules, you still have to remain physical. Things happen, it’s part of the job. And I know the league is cracking down on a lot of these hits and the physical nature of play. Do I agree with it? No. But the league is doing what it believes is for the best. But I know I will continue to go hard.

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