Dalvin Cook is a free agent American football running back. He played college football for Florida State, becoming their all-time leading rusher and a unanimous All-American. Drafted in 2017 by the Minnesota Vikings, he played six seasons, earning four Pro Bowl selections. His younger brother, James Cook, is a running back for the Buffalo Bills.
On September 2, 1979, Ahmad Rashad made history as the first Vikings player to score four touchdowns in a single game, a feat unmatched until Dalvin Cook's impressive performance in 2020.
The Mr. Florida Football award, which Dalvin Cook would later win, was established in 1992.
On August 10, 1995, Dalvin James Cook was born. He would go on to become a successful American football running back.
In 2010, Devonta Freeman, who later became a fellow Seminole running back, led Miami Central High School to a Class 6A state title.
During his senior year at Miami Central High School in 2013, Dalvin Cook showcased exceptional talent. He rushed for an impressive 1,940 yards and 34 touchdowns, leading his team to victory in the Class 6A state championship. His performance earned him the prestigious Mr. Florida Football award.
In 2013, Dalvin Cook initially committed to Clemson University but later switched his commitment to the University of Florida under coach Will Muschamp.
In 2013, alongside his football pursuits, Dalvin Cook displayed his athletic prowess in track and field. He achieved personal bests in sprinting events like the 200-meter dash and contributed significantly to his school's relay team victories.
On January 1, 2014, after much anticipation, Dalvin Cook officially committed to playing college football at Florida State University.
By January 2014, Dalvin Cook had already completed the necessary coursework to graduate high school early and enrolled at Florida State University, demonstrating his dedication to both academics and athletics.
As a true freshman at Florida State in 2014, Dalvin Cook made an immediate impact, sharing carries and showcasing his abilities. His performance in the 2014 ACC Championship Game against Georgia Tech earned him the MVP title, accumulating a career-high 177 yards on 31 carries and one rushing touchdown.
Dalvin Cook's journey in college football commenced in 2014 when he joined the Florida State Seminoles under the guidance of head coach Jimbo Fisher.
Following a remarkable high school career, Dalvin Cook participated in prestigious events like the Under Armour All-America Game and "The Opening" in 2014, further solidifying his reputation as a top football prospect.
In July 2015, Dalvin Cook faced a suspension due to a battery charge following an incident outside a bar. However, he was later found not guilty and reinstated by Florida State, allowing him to continue his collegiate career.
On November 19, 2016, during a game against the Syracuse Orange, Dalvin Cook achieved a remarkable feat by breaking Warrick Dunn's career rushing record of 3,959 yards at Florida State, solidifying his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.
In 2016, Dalvin Cook marked the end of his successful college football career at Florida State University, having left an indelible mark on the program.
On October 5, 2017, Dalvin Cook was officially placed on injured reserve due to a torn ACL, ending his rookie season prematurely.
On October 9, 2017, Dalvin Cook underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL. Dr. James Andrews reported a "100 percent" chance of return for the 2018 season.
In 2017, Dalvin Cook's NFL aspirations became a reality when the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the second round of the draft. This selection marked the beginning of his professional football journey.
Following a triumphant victory in the Orange Bowl against Michigan, Dalvin Cook announced his decision to forgo his senior season at Florida State and enter the 2017 NFL draft.
In 2017, Dalvin Cook was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Dalvin Cook returned to the NFL in 2018 after recovering from a torn ACL, demonstrating resilience and determination as he outperformed his backup Latavius Murray despite having fewer carries.
In 2019, Dalvin Cook emerged as a top running back, leading the league in rushing yards for a period and showcasing his explosiveness on the field.
On June 8, 2020, Dalvin Cook made a strategic move by announcing his intention to hold out from team activities until he secured a satisfactory contract extension, demonstrating his value to the team.
On September 12, 2020, Dalvin Cook's patience and negotiation skills paid off as he signed a lucrative five-year, $63 million contract extension with the Vikings, securing his future with the team.
Dalvin Cook's exceptional performance in Week 8 of the 2020 season, including four touchdowns, earned him the well-deserved title of NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
In November 2020, an alleged incident occurred between Dalvin Cook and his former girlfriend. This incident came to light in November 2021 when Cook was accused of assault, battery, and false imprisonment.
Dalvin Cook's performance in the 2019 season earned him recognition from his peers, ranking 21st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.
Despite facing challenges like a groin injury and the unexpected death of his father, Dalvin Cook persevered and achieved a career-high 1,557 rushing yards in the 2020 season.
On November 9, 2021, Dalvin Cook was accused of assault, battery, and false imprisonment by his ex-girlfriend. The alleged incident, which Cook denies, reportedly occurred in November 2020 and resulted in a concussion for the accuser.
At the end of the 2021 season, Dalvin Cook announced his decision to switch to jersey number 4 for the upcoming 2022 season, marking a new chapter in his career.
Dalvin Cook's outstanding performance in the 2020 season, despite personal tragedy and injuries, led to his recognition as the 20th ranked player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.
Dalvin Cook's consistent performance and resilience on the field earned him his third consecutive Pro Bowl nomination in 2021, solidifying his status as a top running back.
Dalvin Cook's consistent performance earned him a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022, ranking 31st as determined by his peers.
On June 9, 2023, the Vikings made a significant decision to release Dalvin Cook after he declined a pay cut, marking the end of an era for the running back in Minnesota.
Dalvin Cook welcomed his second son in August 2023, with his partner, Instagram influencer Neri J.
On August 15, 2023, Dalvin Cook embarked on a new chapter in his NFL career, signing a one-year contract with the New York Jets, seeking a fresh start and a chance to contribute to a new team.
Despite facing challenges in the previous season, Dalvin Cook continued to be recognized for his talent, ranking 91st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
After a season with limited playing time due to the presence of Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook and the New York Jets mutually agreed to part ways on January 2, 2024.
On January 4, 2024, Dalvin Cook joined the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens after going unclaimed on waivers, seeking an opportunity to contribute to a competitive team.