One of two NFL players aboard a boat that went missing along Florida's Gulf Coast played parts of two seasons with the Steelers.

Marquis Cooper, a linebacker with the Oakland Raiders, was on the 53-man roster during Bill Cowher's last season as head coach in 2006 and Mike Tomlin's first season in 2007. He played mostly on special teams and registered two tackles during the 2007 season.

Cooper was the owner of a 21-foot Everglades-manufactured boat that was reported missing early Sunday morning, with three other men aboard. The Coast Guard found the boat today with one of the passengers, former University of South Florida player Nick Schuyler, clinging to the side of the overturned boat. He appeared conscious.

"He's a great guy and we hope for the best," said director of football operations Kevin Colbert. "He played for both coaches and he could play either [inside or outside] linebacker position."

Cooper originally signed with the Steelers Oct. 31, 2006, when outside linebacker Arnold Harrison was placed on injured reserve. He was released Nov. 25.

The Steelers re-signed Cooper on July 30, 2007, released him Sept. 19 after he missed the first two games with an injury, then re-signed him Dec. 10. He was released after the season.