Career Timeline of Dalvin Cook: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

How Dalvin Cook built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dalvin Cook is a professional American football running back, notable for his college career at Florida State University, where he became the school's all-time leading rusher and earned All-American honors. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, Cook played six seasons with the team and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times. He is the older brother of fellow NFL running back, James Cook of the Buffalo Bills.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Senior Year Success

In 2013, during his senior year, Dalvin Cook rushed for 1,940 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also intercepted three passes. He led his team to the Class 6A state championship by rushing for 223 yards and four touchdowns in a 52–7 win. He was named Mr. Florida Football.

2014: College Football at Florida State Begins

In 2014, Dalvin Cook began playing college football at Florida State under head coach Jimbo Fisher.

2014: MVP of ACC Championship Game

In 2014, Dalvin Cook was named the MVP of the ACC Championship Game against Georgia Tech after earning 177 rushing yards. He finished the season with 1,008 rushing yards.

November 19, 2016: Breaks Career Rushing Record

On November 19, 2016, Dalvin Cook broke Warrick Dunn's career rushing record of 3,959 yards. He finished the game with 225 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

2016: College Football at Florida State Ends

In 2016, Dalvin Cook finished playing college football at Florida State.

2017: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

In 2017, Dalvin Cook was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (41st overall) of the NFL draft.

2018: 2018 Season Statistics

In 2018, Dalvin Cook finished the season with 615 rushing yards and two touchdowns, also catching 40 receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

2019: 2019 Season Statistics

In 2019, Dalvin Cook finished with 1,135 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, along with 53 receptions for 519 receiving yards in 14 games.

September 12, 2020: Signs Contract Extension

On September 12, 2020, Dalvin Cook signed a five-year, $63 million contract extension with the Vikings.

2020: Career Highs and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2020, Dalvin Cook finished the season with a career-high 1,557 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl.

2021: 2021 Season Performance

In 2021, Dalvin Cook had multiple notable performances, including 131 rushing yards in Week 2, 140 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, and 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 14. He finished the 2021 season with 1,159 rushing yards and earned a Pro Bowl nomination.