James Cook reveals how much it meant to share draft moment with brother

Former Georgia running back James Cook, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, followed in the family footsteps this year when the Buffalo Bills drafted him. Now the second Cook brother in the NFL and the two siblings share a unique moment

During his introductory press conference, James Cook described what it meant to have his brother next to him on draft night and shared the advice he was given throughout the process.

“Moments like that is priceless,” said Cook. “You’ve got to take advantage of all those moments. He just told me to be myself through the whole process and through the whole draft day. If my name don’t get called, just take every opportunity that you get. You take advantage of it.”

Over four seasons at Georgia, Cook continually saw an increased role each year. He finished his final season with 1,012 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021 on the way to a national championship.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2018, Cook was the No. 5 running back in the nation per the 2018 On3 Consensus. Additionally, Cook was the No. 9 recruit in Florida coming out of high school, and the No. 37 overall recruit in the nation.

James Cook on sibling rivalry

James Cook also discussed the competitive nature with Dalvin Cook, deflecting a question about who is the better trash talker on and off the field.

“We’re kind of competitive so we kind of go at it,” said James Cook.

Although he opted not to poke at Dalvin on day one in the league, the sibling rivalry is sure to ramp up. However, that competition does not add any pressure to perform as James looks to pave his own path.

“I feel like it ain’t no expectations,” said Cook. “I’m me, he’s him. So I’ve got to go out there and perform for myself because he’s gonna go out there and do it for him. It’s great looking up to him as an older brother, but I gotta go out there and still get the job done and play football.”

Joining a backfield with Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, there will be opportunities beside quarterback Josh Allen to make a difference early in his career in the running game and passing game. He quickly jumps on board with a Super Bowl favorite with plenty weapons around him and a chance to become to first Cook to lift a trophy at the end of the season.