Drafted by the Bills in the 2nd round (63rd overall pick) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia, James Cook, in his rookie 2022 season with Buffalo, appeared in 16 games and rushed for 507 yards and 2 touchdowns on 96 carries. More so, Cook had a rather impressive college career at Georgia, totaling over 2,000 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns across 4 seasons.

The younger brother of NFL running back Dalvin Cook, James plays for the Minnesota Vikings and is listed at 5’11” and 199 lbs. Turning 24 years old in September 2023, and quite honestly, with his speed, receiving ability, and kick return skills, the Bills boy provides a versatile offensive weapon out of the backfield.

James Cook’s deceased father and the influence of his mom Varondria White

The base, perhaps, the rock and driving force behind James and Dalvin’s upbringing was their mother, Varondria White. A single parent, she faced financial hardship working multiple jobs – from housekeeping to cashiering – to provide for her family in Miami. Despite the intensely grueling schedule, the mom ensured her sons stayed focused not just on athletics, but academics as well. Varondria instilled a fulfilling and rather inspiring unrelenting work ethic in James and Dalvin from a young age, having them help with chores and guiding them to find positive outlets through sports.

Meanwhile, James Cook Sr., the father of James and his older brother Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings passed away in October 2020 at the age of 46 after a battle with organ failure due to complication from diabetes. As a young father, James Sr. worked as a custodian at Miami Central High School, the same school his sons would later star at athletically as multi-sport standouts in football, basketball, and track & field. Despite separating from their mother Varondria White early on, James Sr. remained a consistent, positive presence in Dalvin and James’ lives. He made it a priority to attend as many of their athletic competitions as possible, often alternating with Varondria when Dalvin went on to the University of Georgia from 2014-2016.

James Sr. preached the importance of hard work, perseverance, and making the most of the opportunities through sports and education. His persistent support, tough love, and words of wisdom resonated deeply with James and Dalvin throughout their ascent from Miami youths to elite NFL talents.

As many mothers naturally do, the mom made incredible sacrifices to put both James and Dalvin in positions to maximize their immense athletic talents, making sure to alternate attending their games and practices. To this day, James credits his mother’s endless love, strength, and wisdom as the driving forces that empowered him to reach his NFL dream.