Career Timeline of Brandin Cooks: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Brandin Cooks, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brandin Cooks is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He was a first-round draft pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2014 after a successful college career at Oregon State, where he earned All-American honors. Notably, Cooks has played for five different NFL teams throughout his career including the Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Houston Texans, before landing with the Cowboys in 2023. He's known for his speed and receiving ability, making him a valuable asset to various NFL offenses.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Began Playing at Oregon State

In 2011, Brandin Cooks began playing football at Oregon State under head coach Mike Riley.

2011: Last 1,000 yard duo

In 2011, the last time the Patriots had a 1,000 yard receiving duo was with Cooks and Rob Gronkowski

2012: Sophomore Season at Oregon State

In 2012, Brandin Cooks had a strong sophomore season at Oregon State, achieving notable performances in multiple games and forming a dynamic receiving duo with Markus Wheaton.

2013: Final Season at Oregon State

2013 marked Brandin Cooks' final season playing football at Oregon State.

2013: Award Winning Season

In 2013, Brandin Cooks concluded the season with 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns. He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award and was a consensus All-American.

2013: Record-Breaking Season at Oregon State

In 2013, Brandin Cooks had a record-breaking season at Oregon State, setting Pac-12 Conference records for receptions and receiving yards. He also tied a school record for receptions in a single game.

January 2, 2014: Declared for the NFL Draft

On January 2, 2014, Brandin Cooks announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL draft.

May 18, 2014: Signed with the Saints

On May 18, 2014, Brandin Cooks signed a four-year contract worth $8.3 million with the New Orleans Saints.

2014: Drafted by the Saints

In 2014, Brandin Cooks was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the NFL draft.

2014: Brandin Cooks Rookie Season

In 2019, Brandin Cooks recorded his lowest totals since his rookie season in 2014, with 42 receptions for 583 yards and two touchdowns.

2015: Number-One Wide Receiver for the Saints

In 2015, Brandin Cooks became the number-one wide receiver for the Saints and achieved his first 100-yard receiving game.

2015: Drop in Targets

In 2016, Brandin Cooks' targets dropped from 129 in 2015 to 117.

2016: Career High in Receiving Yards

In 2016, Brandin Cooks had 78 receptions for a career-high 1,173 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

2016: Breakout Season

In 2016, Brandin Cooks was expected to have a breakout season. He set a Saints' franchise record for the longest play from scrimmage with a 98-yard touchdown pass.

March 10, 2017: Traded to the Patriots

On March 10, 2017, Brandin Cooks was traded to the New England Patriots.

April 29, 2017: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 29, 2017, the New England Patriots picked up the fifth-year option on Brandin Cooks' contract.

April 3, 2018: Traded to the Rams

On April 3, 2018, Brandin Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.

July 17, 2018: Signed Extension with the Rams

On July 17, 2018, Brandin Cooks signed a five-year, $81 million extension with the Rams.

2019: Lowest Totals Since Rookie Season

In 2019, Brandin Cooks recorded his lowest totals since his rookie season in 2014, with 42 receptions for 583 yards and two touchdowns.

April 10, 2020: Traded to the Texans

On April 10, 2020, Brandin Cooks was traded to the Houston Texans.

2020: Donation to Stockton Children's Fund

In 2020, Brandin Cooks donated $50,000 to his hometown of Stockton, California, to establish the Stockton Children's Fund.

2020: 1,000-Yard Receiving Season

In 2020, Brandin Cooks finished the season with 81 receptions for 1,150 yards, and six touchdowns. He joined Brandon Marshall as the only players in NFL history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season with four different teams.