Elijah Cooks Bio
Elijah Stephen Cooks, born on October 13, 1998, is an American professional football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 216 pounds, Cooks brings a sizable frame to the wide receiver position. He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack before transferring to the San Jose State Spartans and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars following the 2023 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Stephen Cooks was born in Santa Maria, California, where he spent his formative years. He initially attended St. Joseph High School, where he played both football and basketball, showcasing his athletic versatility from a young age. Midway through his tenth grade year, Cooks relocated to Atascadero, California, and transferred to Atascadero High School to continue his development.
As a senior at Atascadero High School in 2016, Cooks put together a dominant final season, recording 56 catches for 966 yards and 15 touchdowns. His production that year earned him the Pac 5 Offensive Player of the Year award, establishing him as one of the most productive receivers in the region. That senior campaign drew the attention of several college programs looking for a tall, reliable pass catcher.
Path to American Football
On February 1, 2017, Cooks committed to play football for the University of Nevada at Reno, choosing the Wolf Pack over programs including Hawaii, Wyoming, Fresno State, and San Jose State. He spent five seasons at Nevada from 2017 to 2021, appearing in 35 games from 2017 to 2019 before sitting out the 2020 season due to a shoulder injury. In a shortened 2021 campaign, Cooks played in just three games before another season-ending injury cut his Wolf Pack tenure short.
During his time at Nevada, Cooks also briefly joined the Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball team in the 2017–18 season, serving as a temporary replacement for an injured player. He appeared in four basketball games, averaging roughly one minute of playing time per contest. Over his five years with the Wolf Pack, Cooks totaled 115 receptions for 1,478 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Elijah Cooks Career
Early Career (2017–2022)
Cooks began his collegiate career at Nevada in 2017, working his way into the Wolf Pack rotation over multiple seasons. Injuries limited his availability in 2020 and 2021, but he remained committed to his development and returned to the field when healthy. After completing his time at Nevada, Cooks moved on to San Jose State University as a graduate transfer, seeking a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities.
It was at San Jose State that Cooks enjoyed his most productive collegiate season. His performance that year earned him first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2022, validating his decision to transfer and reinforcing his NFL prospects. The strong senior campaign positioned him as a legitimate professional prospect heading into the 2023 draft cycle.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2023–2024)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft, Cooks signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2023. He performed well enough in training camp and the preseason to earn a spot on the Jaguars’ initial 53-man roster, which was announced on August 29, 2023. Making the roster as an undrafted rookie was an early validation of his professional potential.
Cooks remained with Jacksonville into the 2024 season, but on August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Jaguars as part of roster trimming and was re-signed to the team’s practice squad. His time in Jacksonville provided him with his first full NFL exposure and a foundation of professional experience heading into his next opportunity.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024–2025)
On January 14, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Cooks to their practice squad, giving him a fresh start in a new organization. He signed a reserve/future contract with Philadelphia on February 14, securing his place with the team through the offseason program. Cooks continued to develop within the Eagles’ system during the spring and summer months.
On August 26, 2025, Cooks was waived by the Eagles as part of final roster cuts, only to be re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His time with Philadelphia came to an end on September 8, 2025, when he was released from the practice squad. The brief Eagles tenure added another chapter to his growing professional resume.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On December 18, 2025, Cooks was signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, joining his third NFL organization. The move provided him with a late-season opportunity to contribute within a new offensive system. Cooks continues to work toward a larger role with the Saints as he progresses through his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early moments of Cooks’ professional career came on August 29, 2023, when the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that he had made the initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. His first-team All-Mountain West selection in 2022 at San Jose State stands as his most prestigious collegiate honor. Multiple practice squad moves across three organizations reflect the perseverance that has defined his professional journey.
Elijah Cooks Career Wins
Elijah Cooks’ most notable achievement came during his final collegiate season at San Jose State, where he was selected to the first-team All-Mountain West in 2022. As a senior at Atascadero High School in 2016, he earned Pac 5 Offensive Player of the Year honors after recording 56 catches for 966 yards and 15 touchdowns. His professional career to this point has been defined by roster survival and continued development rather than major statistical accolades.
Elijah Cooks Family
Personal Life
Elijah Stephen Cooks was born and raised in Santa Maria, California, before relocating to Atascadero during his high school years. Public details about his family background and personal relationships are limited in available sources. Cooks maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his professional updates.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Elijah Cooks, who moved between three NFL organizations over the calendar year. He began the year on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad after signing a reserve/future contract in February, then survived final roster cuts by being re-signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad on August 27, 2025. His release on September 8 opened the door for his next opportunity.
On December 18, 2025, Cooks was signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, marking his third NFL team of the season. The late-season move provided him with a chance to finish the year within a new offensive scheme and continue building his professional foundation. His ability to remain on NFL practice squads throughout 2025 reflects his value as a developmental receiver.
Looking ahead, Cooks will aim to translate his practice squad experience into a more permanent role with the New Orleans Saints. His combination of size, collegiate production at San Jose State, and persistence through multiple roster moves position him as a developmental prospect worth monitoring. The upcoming offseason will be a critical period for him to compete for an expanded role within the Saints organization.