Cole Bishop Bio
Cole Bishop (born October 24, 2002) is an American professional football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes from 2021 to 2023. Bishop attended Starr’s Mill High School in Fayetteville, Georgia before committing to the University of Utah to play college football. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he has been a valuable player for the Bills since his rookie season.
Early Life and Background
Cole Bishop was born on October 24, 2002, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in the Boston area before his family relocated to Georgia. Bishop attended Starr’s Mill High School in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he developed into a standout football player. His performance in high school earned him recognition as a prospects player, eventually leading to his commitment to play college football at the University of Utah.
Path to American Football
At Starr’s Mill High School, Bishop established himself as a talented defensive player, which attracted attention from multiple college programs. His work ethic and football instincts led him to commit to the University of Utah, where he would transition to the collegiate level and begin his journey toward professional football. This commitment set the stage for his development into an NFL prospect.
Cole Bishop Career
College Career (2021–2023)
Bishop began his college career at Utah in 2021 as a true freshman. He appeared in 10 games and started the final six of the season. He finished his freshman year with 54 tackles and three sacks, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact defensively. As a sophomore in 2022, Bishop elevated his game significantly. He started 13 of 14 games and led the team with 83 tackles while recording one interception and 1.5 sacks. His consistency and playmaking ability made him a cornerstone of Utah’s defense.
Bishop returned to Utah for his junior season in 2023, continuing his development as a versatile safety. His performance throughout the season earned him Second-team All-Pac-12 honors, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. Following the 2023 season, Bishop declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills Era (2024–Present)
The Buffalo Bills selected Cole Bishop with the 60th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He entered the league as a rookie and spent the majority of his first season as a backup to Damar Hamlin, though he earned occasional starting assignments. Bishop caught his first career interception during the season, thwarting the New Orleans Saints’ attempt at executing their own version of the Philly Special. He also played a significant role in the Bills’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9, leading the team in tackles and forcing a turnover on downs.
Bishop entered his sophomore season in 2025 with an opportunity to win the starting safety job. He ultimately secured the position, forming a partnership with Taylor Rapp until Rapp suffered a season-ending injury. Bishop’s play improved noticeably throughout the season, with Sports Illustrated attributing his growth to mentorship from veteran teammate Jordan Poyer. Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic noted that Bishop became more confident and aware as the season progressed, using his athleticism to make plays after initially struggling with positioning.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bishop is known for his versatility in coverage, his ability to play multiple defensive schemes, and his physicality against the run. He demonstrates solid tackling technique and has shown a knack for creating turnovers. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays on the ball in the passing game. The combination of his range, instincts, and willingness to contribute in run defense makes him a well-rounded safety option for the Bills’ secondary.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Bishop’s most significant career moments came in the playoffs during his sophomore season. He made a crucial interception of Trevor Lawrence during the Bills’ Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The play sealed Buffalo’s first road playoff victory since 1992, marking a historic achievement for the franchise and highlighting Bishop’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Cole Bishop Career Statistics
Through his first two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Bishop has established himself as a productive safety with impactful playmaking ability. His tackle numbers and turnover creation demonstrate his value to Buffalo’s defense.
NFL Statistics Highlights
In his rookie season, Bishop appeared in games as a rotational player behind Damar Hamlin while also earning starting assignments. His sophomore season in 2025 marked a breakout year, as he finished with 85 tackles (53 solo), 3 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, and 2 sacks while serving as the primary starting safety. In the playoffs, his interception against Jacksonville proved to be a game-sealing play.
Career Totals (2024–2025)
Across his first two NFL seasons, Bishop has recorded 125 total tackles, 2 sacks, 9 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. These numbers reflect his development from a backup role as a rookie to a full-time starter who contributes across multiple areas of the defense.
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Buffalo Bills | 40 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 | Buffalo Bills | 85 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
Cole Bishop Family
Personal Life
Bishop continues his football career with the Buffalo Bills following his collegiate career at Utah. He remains active on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. As a young professional in the NFL, he focuses on his development as a player while building his career in professional football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a breakthrough year for Cole Bishop. After serving as a backup during his rookie campaign in 2024, Bishop competed for and won the starting safety job entering the season. He formed a solid partnership with Taylor Rapp until Rapp’s season-ending injury thrust Bishop into an even larger role within the defense. His progression throughout the season showcased his ability to handle increased responsibility at the NFL level.
Bishop finished the 2025 season with impressive numbers, recording 85 tackles, 3 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, and 2 sacks. His most memorable moment came in the playoffs when his interception against Trevor Lawrence secured the Bills’ Wild Card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The win marked Buffalo’s first road playoff victory since 1992, a significant milestone for the franchise. Coaches and analysts praised Bishop’s development throughout the year, noting improvements in his confidence, awareness, and ability to read offensive plays.
The mentorship of veteran safety Jordan Poyer played a key role in Bishop’s growth, helping him refine his technique and understanding of the game. Looking ahead, Bishop appears positioned as a long-term fixture in the Bills’ secondary. His sophomore-season breakout demonstrated his potential to be a foundational piece of Buffalo’s defense for years to come.