Alex Cook

Alex Cook Bio

Alex Cook is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Born on May 21, 1999, in Sacramento, California, Cook played college football for the Washington Huskies from 2017 to 2022. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent. Cook has since developed into a versatile safety, having played both offense and defense during his football career. His journey from a high school dual-position player to a professional athlete showcases his adaptability and determination in the competitive world of football.

Early Life and Background

Alex Cook was born on May 21, 1999, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento, where he attended Sheldon High School. During his time at Sheldon High School, Cook distinguished himself by playing both offense and defense for the school’s football team. This early versatility would later become a defining characteristic of his playing style at higher levels of competition.

Path to Professional Football

Cook’s performance at Sheldon High School earned him recognition as the 220th-best prospect in the nation. This ranking attracted attention from major college programs, leading him to choose the University of Washington. At Washington, Cook began his college career in 2017 as a redshirt, using that year to adapt to the college-level intensity and playbook. In 2018, he appeared in twelve games and started one as a wide receiver, demonstrating his ability to contribute on the offensive side of the ball. During his redshirt sophomore year, Cook made a significant position change, transitioning from wide receiver to defensive back. This move proved pivotal, as he played in all thirteen games for the Huskies in his new role. The position switch showcased his football intelligence and willingness to do whatever it took to get on the field.

Alex Cook Career

College Career at Washington (2017–2022)

Alex Cook’s tenure at the University of Washington spanned five seasons, during which he evolved from a redshirt freshman into an All-Conference performer. In the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook started three out of four games for the Huskies. His consistency and reliability on the field became evident as he continued to earn playing time. During what would have been his redshirt senior year, Cook started nine out of the eleven games he played, demonstrating continued growth and leadership. Due to the pandemic-related rule that allowed players an additional season of eligibility, Cook returned for one more year with Washington. In this final season, he started all thirteen games and earned Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors. This achievement represented the pinnacle of his college career and validated his transition to defensive back.

New York Giants (2023)

After his standout college career, Cook entered the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite his All-Conference recognition and productive college career, he went undrafted. However, his talent did not go unnoticed. Shortly after the draft, Cook was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants. Cook did not make the Giants’ active roster during his initial stint. Instead, he was signed to their practice squad, where he continued to develop his skills and learn the professional game while waiting for his opportunity.

Carolina Panthers (2023–2024)

On October 17, 2023, Cook’s perseverance paid off when the Carolina Panthers signed him to their active roster, acquiring him off the Giants’ practice squad. This promotion marked his transition from a practice squad player to an active NFL roster member. Cook’s time with the Panthers provided him with regular-season NFL experience and the chance to showcase his abilities at the highest level of professional football. On August 27, 2024, Cook was waived by the Panthers but was immediately re-signed to their practice squad. He remained with the organization through the rest of the 2024 season until his release on December 3, 2024.

New York Giants (Second Stint, 2024)

Cook’s career trajectory continued to involve roster moves as he sought an opportunity to contribute at the NFL level. On December 26, 2024, he was signed to the New York Giants’ practice squad, returning to the organization that first gave him a chance as an undrafted free agent. This second stint with the Giants allowed him to continue developing within their system while remaining on an NFL roster.

Chicago Bears (2025)

On January 22, 2025, Cook signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears. This signing represented a new chapter in his professional career and a fresh opportunity with a different organization. Cook competed for a spot on the Bears’ roster during the 2025 offseason and training camp. However, on August 25, 2025, he was waived by the Bears, ending his tenure with the franchise.

Birmingham Stallions (2026–Present)

Following his release from the Bears, Cook continued his professional football career in an alternative league. On January 14, 2026, he was selected by the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). This move represented a new chapter in Cook’s career, taking him to a spring football league that provides another pathway for professional football players to continue their careers. As a member of the Stallions, Cook brings his experience from multiple NFL organizations to a team that competes at a high level in the UFL.

Playing Style and Strengths

Alex Cook is known for his versatility on the football field, a quality that developed from his high school days of playing both offense and defense. His transition from wide receiver to defensive back during college demonstrated his football IQ and adaptability. As a safety, Cook brings the ability to play both coverage and run support, making him a valuable asset in multiple defensive schemes. His experience across different NFL organizations has allowed him to learn various systems and philosophies, further enhancing his versatility as a professional player.

Notable Events and Milestones

Several milestones stand out in Alex Cook’s career trajectory. His Second-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2022 represented his most significant collegiate achievement, validating his position change and five-year development at Washington. His promotion from the Giants’ practice squad to the Panthers’ active roster in October 2023 marked his first regular NFL playing opportunities. The opportunity to return to the Giants in late 2024 and later sign with the Bears in early 2025 demonstrated his continued value as a professional football player despite going undrafted.

Alex Cook Career Statistics

Throughout his professional career, Cook has appeared in NFL games with the Carolina Panthers, accumulating key statistical contributions along the way. His journey through multiple organizations has provided him with diverse experience at the professional level.

NFL Statistics Highlights

During his time with the Carolina Panthers, Cook recorded 11 total tackles in his NFL career as of the 2024 season. These statistics represent his contributions as a member of an NFL active roster, having transitioned from practice squad players with previous organizations to earning regular playing time with the Panthers.

Alex Cook Family

Family background information for Alex Cook is not extensively documented in publicly available sources. As a professional athlete who maintains a relatively private personal life, details about his family members, including parents and siblings, have not been widely reported. This privacy reflects his focus on his football career and professional development.

Personal Life

Alex Cook focuses his public profile on his football career rather than personal details. He maintains an Instagram presence at alexanderncook where he occasionally shares updates about his football journey. As a young professional athlete in the early stages of his career, Cook continues to work toward establishing himself as a reliable safety in professional football. His journey from Sacramento to multiple NFL organizations and now to the UFL demonstrates his resilience and commitment to the sport.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Alex Cook in professional football. After beginning the year with the Chicago Bears following his January signing, Cook competed for a role in the Bears’ defensive backfield during training camp and the preseason. His experience from previous seasons with the Giants and Panthers provided him with a foundation of professional knowledge to draw upon. The Bears’ coaching staff evaluated Cook throughout the offseason programs and training camp, assessing his fit within their defensive schemes. Ultimately, the Bears made the decision to waive Cook on August 25, 2025, concluding his tenure with the organization. Following his release, Cook remained unsigned by other NFL teams during the remainder of the 2025 season, leading him to pursue opportunities in alternative professional football leagues. His selection by the Birmingham Stallions in January 2026 represented a new pathway for his career, allowing him to continue playing professional football while showcasing his abilities in the UFL. Cook’s journey through multiple organizations highlights the competitive nature of the NFL and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. His ability to remain in professional football through roster transactions and league transitions demonstrates his determination to succeed at the highest levels he can access.