Will Brandin Cooks Play in Week 17? Who is Brandin Cooks?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Dec 27, 2023
Will Brandin Cooks Play in Week 17?
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up to face the Detroit Lions in Week 17, star wide receiver Brandin Cooks finds himself facing the 23rd-ranked passing defense of the Lions, who allow an average of 234.9 yards per game. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 PM ET on Saturday. However, there is a bit of uncertainty surrounding Cooks' availability as he was listed as a limited participant in his most recent practice. This raises questions about his potential impact in the upcoming matchup against the Lions, and fantasy football enthusiasts will be keenly watching for updates on Cooks' status as game day approaches.
Cooks has been a key target in the Cowboys' passing game this season, with 65 targets resulting in impressive season stats of 558 receiving yards on 43 receptions, averaging 13.0 yards per catch. His contribution extends beyond the passing game, as he has also recorded six touchdowns and added 32 yards on the ground from four carries. As fans eagerly await the crucial Week 17 showdown, the uncertainty surrounding Cooks' recent limited practice participation adds an element of suspense regarding his role in the upcoming game against the Detroit Lions.
Who is Brandin Cooks?
Brandin Cooks is a prominent American football wide receiver currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Cooks first gained recognition for his exceptional skills while playing college football at Oregon State, where he earned consensus All-American honors. His standout performance at the collegiate level led to his selection by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Over the course of his NFL career, Brandin Cooks has showcased his versatility and talent by playing for several teams. After spending three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, he had a brief stint with the New England Patriots before joining the Los Angeles Rams for two seasons. In 2020, Cooks transitioned to the Houston Texans, and eventually, he became a part of the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his speed, agility, and playmaking abilities, Cooks has made a significant impact on the league, contributing both as a deep threat and a reliable target for his respective teams.
Attribute
Details
Name
Brandin Cooks
Position
Wide Receiver
Jersey Number
3
Team
Dallas Cowboys
Born
September 25, 1993
Birthplace
Stockton, California, U.S.
Age
30
Height
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight
189 lb (86 kg)
High School
Lincoln (Stockton, California)
College
Oregon State (2011–2013)
NFL Draft Year
2014
Draft Round/Pick
Round: 1 / Pick: 20
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Brandin Cooks NFL Career
Brandin Cooks embarked on his professional football career when he was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. This marked a significant achievement for Cooks, as he became the highest-drafted player out of Oregon State since 1950 and the highest-drafted wide receiver in the school's history. He signed a four-year contract with the Saints worth $8.3 million. Cooks made an immediate impact during his rookie season, showcasing his speed and versatility. Unfortunately, his rookie campaign was cut short due to a thumb injury, limiting him to 10 games but still managing 53 receptions for 550 yards and three touchdowns.
In the 2015 season, Cooks continued to be a key player for the Saints, finishing with an impressive 84 catches for 1,138 yards and nine touchdowns. His dynamic performances established him as the team's leading receiver. The following season, in 2016, Cooks further solidified his reputation as a top-tier wide receiver, recording 78 receptions for a career-high 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns.
In a surprising move in 2017, the New England Patriots acquired Cooks in a trade, giving up their first-round and third-round draft picks. Cooks quickly made an impact with the Patriots, contributing to the team's success with 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season. Although the Patriots reached Super Bowl LII, Cooks left the game early due to a concussion, and the team ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2018, Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he signed a five-year, $81 million extension. He continued his stellar performance, reaching over 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season with three different teams, a historic feat in NFL history. The Rams reached Super Bowl LIII, but Cooks' former team, the Patriots, emerged victorious.
Cooks remained with the Rams in the 2019 season, contributing despite facing some challenges, including a concussion. The Rams finished 9-7 but missed the playoffs. In 2020, Cooks was traded to the Houston Texans, where he had a standout season, recording 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns. He joined Brandon Marshall as the only player in NFL history to achieve a 1,000-yard receiving season with four different teams.
In the 2021 season, Cooks continued to be a reliable target for the Texans, leading the team in all major statistical categories with 90 catches, 1,037 yards, and six touchdowns. His consistency and contributions made him the third player in franchise history to achieve consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
In 2022, Cooks signed a two-year contract extension with the Texans but was later traded to the Dallas Cowboys in March 2023 for draft picks. This trade tied him with Eric Dickerson for the NFL all-time record for the most traded player. Cooks continued to demonstrate his skills in the 2022 season, leading the Cowboys in receptions and receiving yards despite the team's overall struggles.
Brandin Cooks Early Career
Brandin Cooks' early career traces back to his high school days at Lincoln High School in Stockton, California, where he made a name for himself as a talented football player. Playing for the Trojans, Cooks displayed his skills on the field, showcasing his abilities as a wide receiver. His impressive performances during his sophomore, junior, and senior years, marked by notable statistics such as receptions, yards, and touchdowns, set the stage for his future in collegiate football.
Choosing to continue his football journey at the collegiate level, Cooks played for Oregon State University from 2011 to 2013 under the guidance of head coach Mike Riley. His impact was immediate, contributing significantly in his freshman season with receptions, yards, and touchdowns. The following seasons only solidified his reputation as a standout player, particularly during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Alongside teammate Markus Wheaton, Cooks formed one of college football's most dynamic receiving duos, amassing impressive stats and helping Oregon State improve to a 9–4 record in the 2012 season.
Cooks' standout 2013 season saw him break numerous records, including Pac-12 records for receptions and receiving yards. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award and consensus All-American honors. Finishing his collegiate career among the best in Oregon State history, Cooks left an indelible mark, ranking high in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Following this successful college stint, Cooks declared his intention to enter the 2014 NFL Draft, paving the way for his transition to the professional football stage. Beyond football, Cooks also showcased his athleticism by running track at Oregon State, demonstrating a multidimensional sporting prowess during his early career.
Brandin Cooks Family Background
Brandin Cooks hails from Stockton, California, born on September 25, 1993, to parents Worth Cooks Sr. and Andrea Cooks. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Cooks family early on when Worth Sr. passed away from a heart attack when Brandin was just six years old. Following this loss, Brandin and his three brothers—Fred, Worth Jr., and Andre—found themselves under the sole care and guidance of their mother, Andrea. Despite the adversity they faced, Andrea Cooks took on the responsibility of raising her four sons, demonstrating strength and resilience in the face of hardship.
Growing up in Stockton, Cooks navigated the challenges of life, and his family played a crucial role in shaping his character. The bond among the Cooks siblings, forged through shared experiences and the guidance of their devoted mother, became an integral part of Brandin's journey. Additionally, it's worth noting that Cooks identifies as a Christian, suggesting that faith holds a significant place in his life and upbringing. This family background adds depth to the narrative of Brandin Cooks, highlighting the values of family, perseverance, and faith that have influenced his personal and professional life.
Brandin Cooks Wife
Brandin Cooks' wife is Briannon Lepman Cooks, and their love story has its roots in their college days. Born in Corvallis, Oregon, Briannon hails from a family deeply involved in real estate, owning and running Lepman Properties, a real estate development company in Albany. Her parents, Carolyn and Spencer Lepman, have two other daughters, Brittany Kundert and Brooke Backer, both residing in Albany with their families.
Briannon pursued her education at Oregon State University, focusing on family sciences and human development. During her college years, she was also actively involved in cheerleading. Additionally, Briannon worked as a gymnastics instructor and a secretarial assistant at Lepman Properties while pursuing her studies.
After college, Briannon began her career as a fitness instructor in Oregon and San Diego, California, before taking on roles with CycleBar Franchising and Insight Global. Over the last six years, she shifted her professional focus to lifestyle writing, creating a web presence under the name 'A Briutiful Life.' On her website, Briannon writes, edits, and promotes her work.
The love story between Brandin Cooks and Briannon began when Cooks, a collegiate football player for the Oregon State Beavers, and Briannon, a cheerleader for the team, first crossed paths. Despite Cooks signing a professional contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2014, Briannon stayed behind to complete her education. However, the couple remained connected, and their relationship continued to flourish. Cooks, then with the Los Angeles Rams, proposed to Briannon during a helicopter ride at their island retreat in 2018, and she joyfully accepted.
Briannon and Brandin tied the knot in July 2018 at their opulent Portland mansion after months of engagement and preparation. In lieu of traditional wedding gifts, the couple asked guests to make donations to their charity, which focuses on building homes in Uganda. Briannon actively supports her husband's professional endeavors and regularly shares about his accomplishments on social media. Her background in fitness, real estate, and lifestyle writing adds a multifaceted dimension to the couple's public presence.
Brandin Cooks Children
Brandin Cooks and his wife, Briannon Lepman Cooks, are proud parents of two children, Maverick Archer Cooks and Ser Dash Cooks. The couple welcomed their first child, Maverick, on September 28, 2021, which happened to be Briannon's 29th birthday. This joyous occasion marked the beginning of their journey into parenthood.
Their second son, Ser Dash Cooks, was born in February of the following year, adding another member to their growing family. The Cooks family is undoubtedly filled with love and happiness as they embrace the experiences of raising two young children. Brandin and Briannon often share glimpses of their family life on social media, including photographs from their vacations. These moments capture the warmth and closeness of the Cooks family as they create lasting memories together.
The birth of Maverick and Ser Dash has undoubtedly brought additional joy and fulfillment to Brandin and Briannon's lives, and their social media updates reflect the pride and love they have for their beautiful family.
Brandin Cooks Net Worth
Brandin Cooks's Net Worth is $14 million. HIs derives his primary source of income from his career as a National Football League (NFL) player. As a wide receiver, Cooks earns a substantial salary as part of his contract with the NFL teams he has played for, including the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys.
In addition to his base salary, Cooks may earn performance-based bonuses, incentives, and endorsements. Many NFL players, including star players like Cooks, have endorsement deals with various brands and companies. These endorsement agreements can significantly contribute to their overall income, as athletes lend their names and images to promote products and services.
Off the field, Cooks may also engage in business ventures, investments, or entrepreneurial activities that contribute to his overall financial portfolio. These could include partnerships, investments, or personal business endeavors that align with his interests and financial goals.
Will Brandin Cooks Play in Week 17 - FAQs
As of now, Brandin Cooks' participation in Week 17 is uncertain due to his limited practice participation. It's advisable to check the official injury reports closer to the game for updated status.
The specific reason for Brandin Cooks being a limited participant in practice is not provided in the given information. It could be related to various factors, such as injury management, rest, or specific game preparation.
The Dallas Cowboys' Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions is scheduled to start at 8:15 PM ET on Saturday. It's essential to check the official team updates and game schedule for any changes.
Brandin Cooks has been a significant contributor in the air, with 558 yards on 43 receptions and six touchdowns in the current season. His performance is noteworthy, making him a key player for the Dallas Cowboys.
Official updates on Brandin Cooks' status for Week 17, as well as his game statistics, can be obtained from reputable sports news sources, the official Dallas Cowboys website, or the NFL's official channels.