Elijah Stephen Cooks Bio
Elijah Stephen Cooks is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). He began his college football career at the University of Nevada before transferring to San Jose State University, where he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors. Cooks entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023, initially signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 13, 1998, in Santa Maria, California, Elijah Cooks grew up in his hometown and attended St. Joseph High School, where he played both football and basketball. Midway through his sophomore year, he transferred to Atascadero High School. During his senior year in 2016 at Atascadero, Cooks recorded 56 receptions for 966 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning the Pac 5 Offensive Player of the Year award.
Path to American Football
Cooks committed to the University of Nevada at Reno on February 1, 2017, choosing the Wolf Pack over several other programs. Over five seasons at Nevada from 2017 to 2021, he accumulated 115 receptions for 1,478 yards and 18 touchdowns. His college career was interrupted by injuries, including a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season and a season-ending injury in 2021 after three games. Additionally, Cooks briefly played for the Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball team during the 2017–18 season as a temporary replacement.
After completing his tenure at Nevada, Cooks transferred to San Jose State University as a graduate student. It was at San Jose State where he had his most productive season, earning first-team All-Mountain West recognition in 2022.
Elijah Stephen Cooks Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Elijah Cooks started his collegiate football career at Nevada in 2017. Over the course of five seasons, he demonstrated consistent receiving ability, despite setbacks from injuries. His performance included 115 receptions, 1,478 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns. Cooks also briefly contributed to the university’s basketball team, showcasing his athletic versatility.
San Jose State Spartans Breakthrough (2022)
Transferring to San Jose State University for the 2022 season, Cooks achieved a career highlight by being named to the first-team All-Mountain West. This recognition reflected his impact as a wide receiver and marked his most productive collegiate season, solidifying his prospects for a professional career.
Professional Career (2023–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Elijah Cooks signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent on May 1, 2023. He impressed during training camp and secured a spot on the Jaguars’ initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season. In August 2024, Cooks was waived by the Jaguars but re-signed to their practice squad shortly thereafter.
In early 2025, Cooks joined the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract with the team. He was waived during final roster cuts in August 2025 but re-signed to the practice squad before being released in September. Later in 2025, Cooks was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking his current affiliation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 215 pounds, Elijah Cooks combines size and athleticism as a wide receiver. His height advantage aids in contested catches and red-zone targets. Cooks’ college production and adaptability suggest a reliable route runner with the ability to contribute in multiple receiving roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cooks’ first-team All-Mountain West selection in 2022 stands out as a significant collegiate milestone. Making the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2023 also highlights his determination and skill at the professional level.
Elijah Stephen Cooks Career Wins
While Elijah Cooks’ career is primarily measured by his individual performance and contributions on the field rather than traditional wins, his progression through college and professional ranks reflects steady development and achievement. His accolades and roster inclusions demonstrate his competitive impact.
College Highlights
Cooks’ tenure at Nevada and San Jose State featured notable receiving statistics and honors. His 2022 first-team All-Mountain West recognition underscores his peak collegiate performance. Despite injuries, he maintained consistent production and showed resilience.
Professional Highlights
Making the Jacksonville Jaguars’ active roster as an undrafted free agent in 2023 is a key professional highlight. His subsequent practice squad signings with Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints indicate ongoing opportunities to contribute at the NFL level.
Elijah Stephen Cooks Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Elijah Cooks’ family background have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Information regarding Elijah Cooks’ personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Elijah Cooks has been active on NFL practice squads, including time with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints. His movements between teams reflect the competitive nature of roster spots for undrafted players. Cooks continues to work towards securing a stable position on an active roster, leveraging his size and collegiate experience. His outlook remains positive as he gains professional experience and aims to contribute more significantly in upcoming seasons.