Alex Cook Bio
Alex Cook is an American professional football safety, born on May 21, 1999, in Sacramento, California. He played college football for the Washington Huskies, where he developed into a reliable defensive back before entering the National Football League. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cook began his professional career with the New York Giants and has since spent time with several organizations, working to establish himself on a defensive roster.
Cook is recognized for his versatility on the field, having lined up on both offense and defense during his high school years. He later transitioned effectively to a full-time safety role in college, a shift that has shaped his path through the professional ranks. His journey from a Sacramento-area high school program to multiple NFL practice squads and active-roster opportunities reflects a steady climb built on persistence and adaptability.
Alex Cook
Early Life and Background
Alex Cook was born on May 21, 1999, and grew up in the Sacramento, California area. He attended Sheldon High School in Elk Grove, California, a suburb of Sacramento, where he played both offense and defense for the school’s football team. That early two-way experience helped shape the versatility that would later define his college and professional profile.
Coming out of high school, Cook was rated as the 220th-best prospect in the nation, a recognition that opened the door to multiple scholarship offers. He chose to continue his football career at the University of Washington, a program with a long tradition of developing defensive talent. The decision to head to the Pac-12 Conference positioned him to compete at one of the top levels of college football in the country.
Path to American Football
Cook’s path to becoming a professional safety began at the University of Washington, where he redshirted during his first year in 2017 and did not see game action. As a redshirt freshman in 2018, he appeared in twelve games and earned one start, lining up primarily as a wide receiver. That season gave him a full view of the offensive side of the ball, an experience that would later inform his work on the defensive side.
During his redshirt sophomore year, Cook changed positions, moving from receiver to defensive back, and played in all thirteen games for the Huskies. The switch proved to be the turning point of his college career, as he settled into the safety role that would carry him into the NFL. After navigating the challenges of the 2020 season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook returned to the field and continued to grow as a starter in Washington’s secondary. In his final college season, he started all thirteen games and was named to the All-Pac-12 Conference Second Team, cementing his development into a draft-worthy prospect.
Alex Cook Career
Early Career (2017–2022)
Cook’s early career unfolded entirely at the University of Washington, where he spent six seasons developing from a redshirt into a starting safety. His first three years were spent learning the system, adjusting to new positions, and contributing on special teams and in rotational roles on defense. By his final two seasons, he had become a regular starter and a respected presence in the Huskies’ secondary.
The 2022 season represented the high point of his college career, as he started all thirteen games and earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors. That recognition helped generate professional interest, even though he ultimately went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. His production and leadership in the defensive backfield gave him a foundation to pursue a professional opportunity.
New York Giants (2023–2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cook signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. He did not earn a spot on the Giants’ active roster out of training camp and was signed to their practice squad. The arrangement kept him within the organization while he continued to refine his game and wait for an opportunity at the next level.
Cook’s stay on the Giants’ practice squad lasted less than two months. In late 2023, he was released from the New York practice squad, opening the door for his next move. He later returned to the Giants’ practice squad on December 26, 2024, briefly rejoining the organization that had originally signed him out of college.
Carolina Panthers (2023–2024)
On October 17, 2023, the Carolina Panthers signed Cook to their active roster off the Giants’ practice squad, giving him his first regular NFL opportunity. The promotion came in the middle of the season and offered Cook a chance to contribute on defense and on special teams. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary made him a useful depth piece for the Panthers.
Cook’s time in Carolina continued into 2024. On August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Panthers and re-signed to their practice squad. He remained with the organization through the fall before being released on December 3, 2024. Across his stints with the Panthers, Cook gained valuable in-season experience and developed a stronger understanding of NFL-level preparation.
Chicago Bears Era (2025)
On January 22, 2025, Cook signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears, joining the organization ahead of the new league year. The deal gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the 2025 offseason program. Cook took part in the Bears’ offseason activities as he worked to earn a role in the secondary.
His time in Chicago proved brief. On August 25, Cook was waived by the Bears, ending his reserve/future contract stint. The move came during roster cutdowns, a common period of transition for young players still establishing themselves in the league. Cook’s release left him available to sign with another organization as the 2025 regular season approached.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Cook’s career came in 2022, when he was named to the All-Pac-12 Conference Second Team after starting all thirteen games for Washington. His first NFL active-roster opportunity arrived in October 2023, when the Carolina Panthers signed him off the New York Giants’ practice squad. He later became a regular participant on practice squads across the league, including return stints with the Giants in December 2024 and a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears in January 2025.
Alex Cook Career Wins
Alex Cook’s professional statistics and win totals at the NFL level have been limited by his time spent on practice squads and in reserve roles. Verified individual win, top-ten, and pole-style totals are not available from the supplied sources, so a season-by-season statistical breakdown is not included on this page. His most notable recognition remains his 2022 All-Pac-12 Conference Second Team honor earned with the Washington Huskies.
Other Wins and Performances
Cook’s most significant collegiate performance came during the 2022 season, when he started all thirteen games for Washington and helped anchor the Huskies’ secondary. That season led to All-Pac-12 recognition and drew the attention of NFL teams following the 2023 draft. His movement between active rosters and practice squads across the Giants, Panthers, and Bears reflects steady professional development, even as headline statistical totals have remained limited.
Alex Cook Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Detailed information about Alex Cook’s parents and broader family background is not publicly confirmed in the available sources. He grew up in the Sacramento, California area, where he attended Sheldon High School in nearby Elk Grove. His path into football was supported by that local community, and he has continued to represent his hometown as a professional athlete.
Personal Life
Public details about Alex Cook’s personal relationships, spouse, or children are not confirmed in the available sources. He stands 183 centimeters tall and has been listed at 93 kilograms during his professional career. Cook maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates related to his football career and training.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began for Alex Cook with a reserve/future contract signed with the Chicago Bears on January 22, 2025, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the offseason. He participated in the Bears’ spring and summer activities, working within the team’s defensive backfield rotation. The contract marked a fresh chance to secure a role on an active roster after his release from the Carolina Panthers at the end of 2024.
On August 25, 2025, Cook was waived by the Bears during final roster cutdowns, ending his time in Chicago. The timing placed him in a familiar position, available to sign with another organization as teams finalized their rosters for the regular season. His versatility as a safety and his prior special teams experience have made him a candidate to be added to a practice squad or active roster as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, Cook’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 depends on securing a role with a new organization. His combination of Pac-12 starting experience, multiple practice squad stints, and brief active-roster exposure continues to make him a depth option at safety. If he can land a spot and stay healthy, the 2025 season offers another opportunity to build on the foundation he has established since leaving Washington.