Cole Holcomb Bio
Cole Holcomb is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 30, 1996, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Holcomb has established himself as a durable and productive defender at the professional level. He entered the NFL in 2019 after being selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Washington franchise, now known as the Commanders. Throughout his career, Holcomb has been recognized for his leadership abilities and consistent on-field performance, accumulating 469 career tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and three interceptions through Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season.
Early Life and Background
Cole Holcomb grew up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he attended New Smyrna Beach High School. During his high school years, Holcomb developed as a football player while competing at the prep level in Florida. His performance as a high school athlete laid the foundation for his future collegiate career at the University of North Carolina.
After graduating from New Smyrna Beach High School, Holcomb pursued higher education and collegiate football at the University of North Carolina. He arrived at Chapel Hill as a walk-on freshman, demonstrating his determination and work ethic from the very beginning of his college journey.
Path to the NFL
Holcomb walked on to the North Carolina Tar Heels football team as a freshman and appeared in all 14 games during his inaugural season, primarily contributing on special teams. His playing time gradually increased as he continued to develop his skills and football IQ. His dedication and improvement eventually earned him a scholarship, a testament to his commitment to the program.
Over the next three seasons, Holcomb became a fixture in the Tar Heels’ defense, appearing in 35 games and eventually earning the starting middle linebacker role. His progression from a special teams player to a defensive starter showcased his growth as a collegiate athlete and positioned him for success at the professional level.
Cole Holcomb Career
College Career (2015–2018)
Cole Holcomb spent four seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels, evolving from a freshman walk-on to a defensive leader. During his senior season, he appeared in all 11 games (the Tar Heels’ game against UCF was canceled due to Hurricane Florence) and delivered consistent performances that earned him recognition across the conference. His growth trajectory and leadership qualities made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.
For his standout senior season performance, Holcomb received second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. This accolade highlighted his status as one of the top linebackers in the ACC and validated his development throughout his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina.
Washington Redskins/Football Team/Commanders (2019–2022)
The Washington Redskins selected Cole Holcomb in the fifth round with the 173rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. His selection represented the culmination of his journey from high school walk-on to draftable NFL prospect. On May 9, 2019, Holcomb signed a four-year contract worth $2.75 million with a signing bonus of $234,884, officially beginning his professional football career.
Holcomb quickly made an impact during his rookie season. In Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, he forced a fumble on wide receiver Stefon Diggs that was recovered by teammate Ryan Anderson during the 19–9 loss. In Week 12 against the Detroit Lions, he recorded a team-high 13 tackles and registered his first professional sack on Jeff Driskel in the 19–16 victory.
The 2020 season saw Holcomb continue his development as a starting linebacker. In Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded a sack on Andy Dalton and later intercepted a pass thrown by Dalton during the 25–3 win. In Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers, he led the team with 11 tackles and sacked Teddy Bridgewater once during the 20–13 loss.
During the 2021 season, Holcomb emerged as a playmaker for Washington’s defense. He recorded an interception on Jameis Winston in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. In Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded eight tackles, intercepted Dak Prescott, and returned it 31 yards for his first career defensive touchdown in a 27–20 loss. He was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on December 22, 2021, and returned to the active roster on December 27.
Holcomb entered the 2022 season as the Commanders’ starting middle linebacker. He missed four games with a knee injury before being placed on injured reserve on November 25, 2022. He underwent foot surgery on December 5, which ended his season. He finished the 2022 campaign with 60 tackles and one pass deflection over seven games.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2023–Present)
On March 16, 2023, Holcomb signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining the organization on a three-year contract worth $18 million with a signing bonus of $4.92 million. The move represented a significant step in his career, joining one of the NFL’s most storied franchises and a team with a tradition of strong linebacker play.
During his first season with the Steelers in 2023, Holcomb’s year ended prematurely due to a serious knee injury suffered in Week 9. Despite the truncated season, he managed to record 54 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and two passes defensed before the injury occurred.
Holcomb began the 2024 season on the reserve/PUP list while continuing his recovery from the knee injury. He did not play a down during the entire 2024 season, using the year to rehabilitate and prepare for his return. He returned to the field during the Steelers’ 2025 preseason games and participated fully during training camp, demonstrating his readiness to contribute at the professional level once again.
On March 11, 2026, Holcomb signed a two-year contract extension worth $5 million with the Steelers, securing his future with the organization and reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities and leadership.
Driving Style and Strengths
Holcomb has established himself as a reliable and physical linebacker known for his tackling ability and football instincts. His strengths include his ability to diagnose plays quickly, his closing speed to the ball carrier, and his effectiveness in both run defense and pass coverage. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the versatility to make plays in various situations, from recording sacks and forcing turnovers to making crucial stops in the running game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Holcomb’s career, including his first career sack in the NFL during his rookie season, his first professional interception against Andy Dalton in 2020, and his most memorable play: a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown against Dak Prescott in 2021. These highlights showcase his ability to make game-changing plays and contribute in multiple facets of the defense.
Cole Holcomb Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Cole Holcomb has accumulated impressive statistics that reflect his consistent production and playmaking ability. His career totals through Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season include 469 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions, 12 pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown.
Washington Commanders Highlights
During his four seasons with the Washington franchise, Holcomb established himself as a key contributor to the defense. He recorded 415 career tackles with the team across regular season play, along with his 4.5 career sacks, seven forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 12 pass deflections. His 2021 season was particularly notable, as he recorded his first career defensive touchdown and posted several of his highest tackle performances of his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers Highlights
In his time with the Steelers, Holcomb has recorded 54 tackles over the 2023 and 2025 seasons combined (his 2024 season was lost to injury). While his tenure with Pittsburgh has been affected by injury, his return in 2025 demonstrated his resilience and commitment to contributing at the highest level of professional football.
| Series | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 469 | 4.5 | 7 | 3 |
| Washington (2019–2022) | 415 | 4.5 | 7 | 3 |
| Pittsburgh (2023–present) | 54 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Cole Holcomb Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cole Holcomb comes from New Smyrna Beach, Florida. His upbringing in the Florida coastal community provided the foundation for his development as an athlete. While specific details about his parents and family background remain private, his journey from high school walk-on to NFL player demonstrates the support system and values instilled in him during his formative years.
Personal Life
In June 2022, Holcomb married his wife, Casey Di Nardo. Casey played collegiate field hockey at the University of North Carolina, where she was a teammate of Holcomb during his time with the Tar Heels football program. Their relationship, which began during their college years, led to marriage as both established their respective careers following graduation.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, who was born in June 2024. The birth of their daughter marked a significant personal milestone for Holcomb as he balanced his professional football career with his growing family. Throughout his career, Holcomb has maintained a private personal life while sharing glimpses of his family with fans through his social media presence.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a significant chapter in Cole Holcomb’s career as he returned to the field after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury. Having spent the previous year rehabilitating from a knee injury, Holcomb participated fully in the Steelers’ offseason program and was a full participant during training camp. His return to game action during the 2025 preseason demonstrated his physical readiness and mental preparation to contribute at the professional level once again.
Throughout the 2025 season, Holcomb worked to re-establish himself as a key component of the Steelers’ defense. His experience and leadership qualities proved valuable as he integrated back into the lineup alongside his defensive teammates. The Steelers’ coaching staff showed confidence in his abilities by activating him for game action and providing him opportunities to contribute in various defensive packages.
Looking ahead, Holcomb’s future with the Steelers appears secure following his two-year contract extension signed in March 2026. The extension reflects the organization’s belief in his talent and character despite the injury challenges he has faced. As he continues his recovery and builds upon his 2025 performance, Holcomb remains focused on helping the Steelers achieve their goals while maintaining his role as a respected leader in the locker room and a consistent performer on the field.