Cole Fotheringham Bio
Cole Fotheringham is an American professional football tight end who has spent parts of four seasons in the National Football League. He played college football for the Utah Utes from 2018 to 2021 and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Fotheringham has appeared in limited regular-season action, primarily contributing on special teams and as a depth player at the tight end position. His professional journey reflects the perseverance common among undrafted players competing for roster spots in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Cole Fotheringham was born on October 11, 1997, in San Clemente, California. He attended San Clemente High School in his hometown, where he developed as a football player before pursuing collegiate opportunities. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 243 pounds, Fotheringham possessed the physical measurements typical of NFL tight ends from an early age.
After graduating from San Clemente High School, Fotheringham chose to continue his football career at the University of Utah. He joined the Utah Utes program and spent four seasons developing his skills from 2018 through 2021. His college career provided the foundation for his eventual transition to professional football, though specific statistics from his collegiate tenure are not extensively documented in available sources.
Path to the NFL
Following his senior season with the Utah Utes in 2021, Fotheringham entered the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite his collegiate experience and prototypical size for the tight end position, he went unselected throughout the draft process. His path to the NFL mirrors that of many undrafted players who must rely on tryouts and free-agent contracts to earn opportunities at the professional level.
On May 12, 2022, Fotheringham signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. This signing marked the beginning of his professional career and provided him with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp. The Raiders organization became his first NFL home, though he would face immediate challenges in earning a place on the active roster.
Cole Fotheringham Career
Las Vegas Raiders (2022–2023)
Fotheringham signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on May 12, 2022, after going undrafted. He reported to training camp with the hope of earning a spot on the 53-man roster, but was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022. The Raiders immediately re-signed him to their practice squad the following day, allowing him to remain with the organization and continue developing his craft.
On January 10, 2023, Fotheringham signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders, securing his place on the roster for the 2023 season. He began the year on the practice squad once again but received his first NFL game action on December 24, 2023, when he was elevated to the active roster prior to the week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he played 19 offensive snaps with starting tight end Michael Mayer out due to injury. Fotheringham caught his only target from quarterback Aidan O’Connell for a six-yard reception, recording his first NFL statistics.
Fotheringham was elevated to the active roster again on December 30, 2023, for the week 17 matchup after Mayer and Jesper Horsted were ruled out. However, he suffered a hamstring injury during that game, which caused him to miss the remainder of the regular season. On January 8, 2024, he signed another reserve/future contract with the Raiders. He was waived on August 27, 2024, ending his initial tenure with the organization.
Houston Texans (2024)
On August 29, 2024, Fotheringham signed with the practice squad of the Houston Texans. His time with the Texans was brief, as he was released by the team on September 9, 2024. This short stint demonstrated the volatility of the NFL’s practice squad landscape, where players frequently move between organizations.
Las Vegas Raiders (Second Stint, 2024)
Fotheringham returned to the Las Vegas Raiders organization on October 1, 2024, signing with their practice squad. He remained with the Raiders through mid-December but was released on December 17, 2024. This second stint with the Raiders did not result in any regular-season game appearances.
Denver Broncos (2025)
On May 12, 2025, Fotheringham was signed by the Denver Broncos. He participated in the team’s offseason program and training camp, competing for a spot on the roster at tight end. However, his tenure with the Broncos ended quickly when he was waived with an injury designation on June 3, 2025. He reverted to injured reserve the following day before being waived with an injury settlement on June 5, 2025.
New England Patriots (2025)
Fotheringham continued his NFL journey by signing with the New England Patriots on July 30, 2025. He joined the Patriots’ roster during training camp and competed for a position with the team. His time in New England concluded when he was released by the Patriots on August 22, 2025.
Playing Style and Role
Fotheringham operates primarily as a traditional tight end, utilizing his 6-foot-4 frame to create mismatches against smaller defensive players. His limited NFL game experience has come primarily as a depth player and special teams contributor. Teams have valued him for his size, practice squad versatility, and willingness to accept developmental roles within their organizations.
Notable Moments
His most significant professional moment occurred on December 24, 2023, when he made his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fotheringham recorded his first NFL reception, a six-yard catch from quarterback Aidan O’Connell during the Raiders’ week 16 game. This debut came after an extended period on the practice squad, representing the breakthrough that many undrafted players work toward throughout their careers.
Cole Fotheringham Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning from 2022 through the 2024 season, Fotheringham has appeared in limited game action. His professional statistics reflect his role as a depth tight end who has primarily contributed on special teams and in backup situations.
NFL Statistics Summary
Through the 2024 NFL season, Cole Fotheringham has recorded 1 reception for 6 yards with 0 touchdowns in regular-season play. His single reception came during his NFL debut on December 24, 2023, against the Kansas City Chiefs. These modest statistics are typical for players at the bottom of NFL rosters who see limited offensive opportunities.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Las Vegas Raiders | 1 | 6 | 0 |
Family
Personal Life
Cole Fotheringham maintains connections to his Southern California roots. He grew up in San Clemente, California, where he attended San Clemente High School before embarking on his collegiate and professional football career. Beyond his football pursuits, he has been active on social media, maintaining a presence on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
2025 Season Performance and Outlook
The 2025 NFL season represents another opportunity for Cole Fotheringham to establish himself at the professional level. Following his release from the New England Patriots in August 2025, Fotheringham remains available for signing with any NFL franchise seeking depth at the tight end position. His journey through five organizations in four seasons demonstrates the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot as an undrafted player.
Fotheringham’s career trajectory reflects the challenges faced by many undrafted free agents who must consistently prove their value to coaching staffs and front offices. His ability to bounce back from injuries and frequent roster changes indicates resilience and commitment to his craft. Teams seeking a developmental tight end with game experience may view him as a low-risk option with upside potential.