Lester Cotton

Lester Cotton Sr. Bio

Lester Cotton Sr. is an American professional football guard who currently plays for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. Born on February 20, 1996, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Cotton emerged as a standout offensive lineman during his college career at the University of Alabama, where he was a member of two national championship-winning teams. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft, signing with the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his professional career, Cotton has developed into a reliable interior offensive lineman, contributing as both a starter and backup across multiple NFL franchises.

Early Life and Background

Lester Cotton Sr. was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on February 20, 1996. He attended Central High School in Tuscaloosa, where he developed into one of the top offensive guard prospects in the country. Cotton was rated as a four-star recruit and was recognized as the number three offensive guard nationally by Rivals.com. His high school performance earned him an invitation to the prestigious 2015 Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his talents against other top high school players from across the nation.

His success at Central High School attracted scholarship offers from several major college football programs, including Auburn, USC, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. After carefully considering his options, Cotton ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Alabama, a decision that would place him on a path toward collegiate and professional success.

Path to the NFL

Upon arriving at the University of Alabama, Cotton immediately began his development as part of the Crimson Tide program. He redshirted during his freshman season in 2015, though he was part of the team that captured the College Football Playoff National Championship that year. The experience of being around a championship program provided Cotton with invaluable lessons about discipline, work ethic, and the standards required to compete at the highest collegiate level.

During his sophomore season in 2016, Cotton began to see increased playing time. He started the Crimson Tide’s first two games at left guard and appeared in 11 total games that season, demonstrating versatility by playing both guard positions. His performance helped pave the way for Alabama’s prolific rushing attack, as the team recorded nine 100-yard rushing games during that season. Notably, in a game against Texas A&M, Cotton recorded six knockdown blocks while helping the offense accumulate 287 rushing yards and 451 total yards.

Lester Cotton Sr. Career

College Career at Alabama (2015–2018)

Cotton’s role expanded significantly during his junior season in 2017. He established himself as the starting right guard, appearing in 13 games and earning recognition as a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the nation’s top offensive lineman. His blocking was instrumental in Alabama’s success, as the team dominated opponents with a powerful ground game. Against Vanderbilt, Cotton helped clear paths for an astonishing 496 rushing yards and 677 total yards of offense. However, his season ended prematurely when a knee injury forced him out of the Sugar Bowl against Clemson, causing him to miss the National Championship Game against Georgia.

As a senior in 2018, Cotton made a position change, shifting from right guard to left guard. He continued to be a reliable presence on Alabama’s offensive line, finishing his college career with 28 total starts. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line allowed just one sack per game during the 2018 season, a testament to the unit’s collective effectiveness. Cotton’s versatility, consistency, and ability to protect the quarterback made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams despite going undrafted.

Las Vegas Raiders (2019–2022)

Following the 2019 NFL Draft, Cotton signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was initially released during roster cuts but was signed to the practice squad, where he continued to develop and learn the professional game. In December 2019, Cotton earned a promotion to the active roster and saw his first NFL action, playing one snap in a game. He remained on the active roster for three games that season but only appeared in one contest.

Cotton faced challenges maintaining a roster spot during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He was released at roster cuts in 2020 but was re-signed in February 2021. The following August, he was waived again and returned to the practice squad. His perseverance paid off when, after the Raiders were eliminated from the 2021 playoffs, Cotton signed a reserve/future contract in January 2022, securing his place on the roster for the 2022 season.

During the 2022 season, Cotton finally secured a consistent role on the Raiders roster as a backup interior lineman. He achieved a significant milestone when he made his first career NFL start at right guard in Week 2. However, his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 3, 2022. He was released later that month, ending his tenure with the Raiders organization.

Miami Dolphins (2022–2024)

Cotton joined the Miami Dolphins on December 20, 2022, signing to their practice squad. He continued with the organization into the 2023 season, signing another reserve/future contract in January 2023. During the 2024 season, Cotton appeared in 11 games with the Dolphins, contributing along the offensive line. His tenure with Miami concluded when he was released on November 25, 2024.

New England Patriots (2024–Present)

Immediately after being released by the Dolphins, Cotton was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on November 26, 2024. This move reunited him with another franchise as he continued his NFL career. Cotton brings interior offensive line depth to the Patriots, offering experience at both guard positions accumulated over his years in the league.

Playing Style and Strengths

Cotton is known as a reliable interior offensive lineman with experience playing both guard positions. Throughout his college and professional career, he has demonstrated consistency in pass protection and run blocking. His collegiate career highlights include recording multiple knockdown blocks in single games and performing without allowing sacks or pressures in several contests. At the professional level, Cotton has shown the versatility to contribute as both a starter and a reliable backup, providing teams with flexibility along their offensive line.

Notable Events and Milestones

Several significant moments define Cotton’s career. His selection to the Joe Moore Award finalist list during his junior year at Alabama recognized his dominance as an offensive lineman at the collegiate level. His first career NFL start with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 of the 2022 season represented a milestone achievement after years of persistence through the league’s practice squad ranks. The transition from being undrafted to becoming a consistent NFL contributor demonstrates his resilience and adaptability in professional football.

Lester Cotton Sr. Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Cotton has appeared in 46 games with 9 starts across his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins. His professional journey reflects steady progression from practice squad player to regular season contributor.

College Achievements

Cotton’s college career at Alabama was highlighted by championship success and consistent excellence. He was part of two College Football Playoff National Championship teams in 2015 and 2017. Over four seasons, he appeared in 40+ games with 28 starts, demonstrating durability and reliability on the Crimson Tide offensive line. His performance against top competition, including games against ranked opponents like Florida State and Texas A&M, showcased his ability to compete at the highest collegiate level.

Lester Cotton Sr. Family

Personal Life

Little detailed information about Cotton’s family life has been made publicly available. Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he attended Central High School in his hometown before embarking on his football career at the University of Alabama. His journey from Tuscaloosa to Alabama to the NFL represents a successful path for a local product who developed into a professional athlete through dedication to his craft.

2025 Season Outlook

As Cotton enters the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, he brings a wealth of experience gained over five NFL seasons with three different franchises. His ability to play both guard positions provides the Patriots with valuable depth along their offensive line. After appearing in 46 career NFL games, Cotton has established himself as a reliable professional who understands the demands of the league. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a consistent NFL contributor exemplifies the perseverance required to maintain a career in professional football. The Patriots will look to utilize Cotton’s versatility and experience as they build their offensive line for the upcoming season.