Alfred James Cole III is an American professional football punter for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League. He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack. Cole holds the NFL record for highest career yards per punt average at 48.48. He has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and achieved All-Pro honors throughout his career with the Raiders.
Alfred James Cole III Bio
Cole established himself as one of the NFL’s premier punters following his arrival in Las Vegas. Since joining the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he has developed into a consistent performer who combines exceptional leg strength with tactical precision. His achievements have earned him recognition as one of the league’s top specialists at his position. Cole’s performance metrics consistently rank among the league’s best, making him a valuable asset for the Raiders’ special teams unit.
Early Life and Background
Cole was born on November 27, 1995, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in College Park, Georgia, where he attended Woodward Academy. At Woodward Academy, Cole was a multi-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and soccer. His exceptional athletic abilities were evident early on, as he earned All-Metro Area honors from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during his senior year. His performance at the high school level laid the foundation for his future success in football.
Path to Professional Football
Cole continued his football career at the collegiate level, playing for the NC State Wolfpack from 2014 to 2018. He served as the team’s starting punter for all four years, finishing his college career with 9,288 punting yards, which ranks third in school history. His collegiate average of 42.2 yards per punt showcased his powerful leg and consistency. Cole’s standout performances earned him recognition, including being named Honorable Mention All-American by GPR Analytics in 2017. He was also a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy as a junior and a semifinalist for the award during his senior season.
Alfred James Cole III Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Cole signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent on May 6, 2019. He participated in the team’s rookie minicamp before earning a spot on the roster. During training camp, Cole competed against incumbent punter Johnny Townsend and ultimately won the starting job, securing a position on the Raiders’ 53-man roster. He made his NFL debut on September 9, 2019, against the Denver Broncos, punting three times for 134 yards. Cole finished his rookie season with 67 punts for 3,081 yards, averaging 46.0 yards per punt. In the 2020 season, he punted 44 times with an average of 44.1 yards per punt.
Raiders Breakthrough (2021–2023)
The 2021 season marked Cole’s emergence as one of the NFL’s elite punters. He led the league among qualified punters with an average of 50.03 yards per punt. Cole received First-team All-Pro honors and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. On December 9, 2021, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $12.4 million, reflecting his value to the team. Entering the 2022 season, Cole was named a team captain for the first time in his career, demonstrating the respect he had earned from coaches and teammates. He continued his strong performance, finishing the season with 59 punts for 2,884 net yards, averaging 48.88 yards per punt, and earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. In 2023, Cole set an NFL record with a gross punt average of 63.6 yards in a single game against the New York Giants, though this record was later broken. He completed the season with 75 punts for 3,783 yards, averaging 50.4 yards per punt, and earned his third First-team All-Pro selection.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)
During the 2024 season, Cole demonstrated his versatility by throwing a 34-yard pass on a fake punt to Divine Deablo in a game against the Denver Broncos. This completion marked the first time a Raiders punter attempted a pass since 2012, and the 34-yard throw represented the longest pass by a punter in the NFL since 2017. On May 26, 2025, Cole signed a four-year contract extension worth $15.8 million, making him the highest-paid punter in NFL history. This contract extension underscored his sustained excellence and importance to the Raiders organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cole’s punting style combines exceptional leg strength with consistent accuracy. His career average of 48.48 yards per punt ranks as the highest in NFL history, demonstrating his ability to generate powerful kicks while maintaining precision. His 2023 season average of 50.4 yards per punt highlighted his capacity to pin opposing teams deep in their territory. Cole’s skill at placing punts inside the 20-yard line has been a hallmark of his game, with 192 career punts landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cole’s 2023 performance against the New York Giants stands as one of his most remarkable achievements. His 63.6-yard gross average in that game set an NFL record for a single game at the time. His 34-yard pass on a fake punt in 2024 demonstrated his football intelligence and versatility. In 2025, Cole’s $15.8 million contract extension made him the highest-paid punter in the league.
Alfred James Cole III Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2019 to 2025, Cole has established himself as one of the most productive punters in league history. His consistency and performance have translated into significant field position advantages for his team.
Career NFL Statistics
Cole has played seven seasons with the Raiders, accumulating 445 punts for 21,572 yards with a career average of 48.48 yards per punt. His career long punt is 83 yards, and he has recorded 192 punts inside the 20-yard line along with 34 touchbacks. These statistics underscore his reliability and effectiveness as the Raiders’ primary punter.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his statistical achievements, Cole’s value extends to his ability to flip field position and execute in high-pressure situations. His Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors reflect the recognition he has received from around the league for his consistent excellence.
| Series | Punts | Yards | Average | Long | Inside 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (2019–2025) | 445 | 21,572 | 48.48 | 83 | 192 |
Alfred James Cole III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cole was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 27, 1995. His father, AJ Cole Sr., played college football at Georgia Tech. Following his playing career, AJ Cole Sr. transitioned into coaching and held positions at several programs, including Auburn, Arkansas State, and Louisville. This football background provided Cole with a foundation for his own career in the sport.
Personal Life
Cole attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, for high school before playing collegiately at NC State. He signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has built his career with the organization since then.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a significant milestone in Cole’s career. In May 2025, he signed a four-year, $15.8 million contract extension, securing his future with the Raiders and establishing himself as the NFL’s highest-paid punter. This contract extension recognized his sustained excellence over multiple seasons and his importance to the team’s special teams unit. Cole continued his strong performance into the 2025 season, building on his reputation as one of the league’s most consistent and powerful punters. His ability to maintain his high averages while contributing in situational plays, including fake punts, makes him a dual-threat specialist. As the Raiders proceed through the 2025 season, Cole remains a cornerstone of their special teams strategy and a player whose performance can significantly impact field position battles in every game.