Jared Cook

Jared Cook is an American former professional football tight end who played 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He earned two Pro Bowl selections as a veteran during his time with the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Jared Alan Cook was born on April 7, 1987, in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. The tall, athletic tight end stands 196 cm and played at a listed weight of 112 kg.

He attended North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he excelled as a wide receiver and became a notable prospect. Committing to the University of South Carolina, Cook transitioned into a tight end for the Gamecocks, playing from 2005 to 2008.

His combination of size and receiving ability made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. During his 2008 senior campaign, he earned Second-team All-SEC honors before declaring for the NFL Draft.

Professional Career

Cook was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round (89th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

He spent the first four years of his career in Tennessee, steadily developing into a primary receiving option. In 2013, he signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the St. Louis Rams, where he spent three productive seasons as a focal point in their passing attack. Following a brief one-year stint with the Green Bay Packers in 2016, Cook experienced a late-career resurgence.

Signing with the Oakland Raiders in 2017, he became the team's leading receiver. In 2018, he recorded career highs with 68 receptions for 896 yards and six touchdowns, earning his first career Pro Bowl selection. He parlayed this success into a two-year stint with the New Orleans Saints, where he earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod in 2019 after catching a career-high nine touchdowns.

Cook concluded his impressive 13-year NFL journey by spending the 2021 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. He officially retired having recorded 553 receptions, 7,237 receiving yards, and 45 receiving touchdowns.

Career Highlights:

• 2018, 2019 - Pro Bowl