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The Spark is the official blog of Alfred University, created to illuminate the dynamic experiences, creative achievements, and unique perspectives of our student community. The Spark captures the essence of what it means to be a Saxon. Whether you're a prospective student dreaming of your next chapter, or a current Saxon shaping your journey, let The Spark guide you.

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How Trent Cooper Directed Major NFL Docuseries on Amazon Prime

Posted By Alfred University

Jun 04, 2026 | Alumni General Blogs Liberal Arts & Sciences

What does it take to turn a passion for storytelling into an award-winning career? For Alfred University alumnus Trent Cooper, it’s meant following that passion all the way to the biggest stages in sports media, most recently directing a major docuseries on the history of an NFL franchise.

His latest project, Raise The Flags: 50 Years of Buccaneers Football, premiered on Amazon Prime Video and offers a sweeping look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ journey from early struggles to championship success. For students considering careers in media, film, or communication studies, Cooper’s path is a powerful example of how storytelling skills can open doors, and take you further than you might expect.

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Telling Stories on a National Stage

As director of Raise The Flags, Cooper led a large-scale production that brought together more than 100 interviews with players, coaches, executives, and others connected to the franchise. The series blends these firsthand accounts with archival footage, creating a detailed and emotional portrait of the team’s 50-year history.

The result is more than a sports documentary. It’s a story about resilience, community, and change over time. It’s also earned industry recognition, including a nomination for a 2026 Emmy Award.

Raise the Flags | Full Trailer | New Series Available on Prime Video

Where Passion Meets Profession

For Cooper, this project was personal as well as professional. Growing up in the Tampa Bay area, he was already a lifelong Buccaneers fan. But as a filmmaker, he approached the story with a broader vision, looking beyond wins and losses to uncover the deeper human stories behind the team.

That ability to combine personal connection with thoughtful, compelling storytelling is a hallmark of his career. It’s a reminder to students: the subjects you care about most can become the foundation for meaningful work.

Building a Career in Creative Media

Trent Cooper '93

Cooper’s success didn’t happen overnight. An eight-time Emmy Award winner, he has spent years developing his craft and building a portfolio of impactful work across sports and documentary filmmaking. His projects range from NFL Films productions to documentaries that explore complex social issues, including stories about community, identity, and resilience.

Throughout his career, one thing has remained consistent: a focus on storytelling that connects with audiences on a human level.

Starting at Alfred

Cooper graduated from Alfred University in 1993 with a degree in political science, a reminder that there is no single “correct” major for a creative career.

What matters more is how you develop your skills along the way: learning how to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach ideas from multiple perspectives. For students at Alfred, those opportunities are built into the experience—through coursework, hands-on projects, and the freedom to explore different interests.

Why It Matters

Careers in media and storytelling are constantly evolving, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and digital content. Cooper’s work shows what’s possible when you combine strong storytelling skills with adaptability and curiosity. His projects now reach global audiences, demonstrating how creative careers can grow across industries, from sports to film to digital media.

For students interested in film, communications, or content creation, his path offers a clear takeaway: the skills you build at Alfred University. can take you much further than you might imagine.

This post was inspired by an article from Alfred University News.