The 26-year-old American football safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, Bryan Cook, is driven by one goal: to leave a lasting legacy in the NFL and cement his name among the greats. He’s already made significant strides, earning First-Team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2020 and playing in the 2024 Super Bowl.

But who stands by him through it all? Who understands his ambitions inside and out? It’s none other than his wife, Jayla Thornton Cook!

Who is Jayla Thornton-Cook? Meet Bryan Cook’s wife

Jayla Thornton Cook isn’t just known as Bryan Cook’s wife—she has made a name for herself with her own impressive career and skills. JT is a 4-year letterman and basketball star from Howard University! She played for the Syracuse Orange and graduated in 2021, later joining the George Washington Revolutionaries until 2023, according to the George Washington website.

From 2017 to 2021, she left her mark on the court, scoring an impressive 1,222 career points and sinking 275 three-pointers. She was a true force to be reckoned with, earning the MEAC Player of the Year title in 2021 and a coveted spot on the Black College Sports Network’s All-American First Team.

But it wasn’t just about the stats. JT’s standout moment came with a spectacular 23-point performance against Ohio University, where she celebrated her first career double-double. It was during her time at Howard that she discovered not only her passion for basketball but also the love of her life. What a journey!

What is Jayla Thornton-Cook’s height and age?

As per her college basketball roster page, she is 5’10”. Her age is not listed in the roster page; however, she has been Bryan’s best friend and college mate since 2017. So it can be estimated that they are of similar age. Bryan is 26 right now and was born on 7th September 1999. 

What does Jayla Thornton-Cook do?

While there’s no official word on Jayla’s current profession, it’s clear she’s making waves in the sports world after her basketball career. She’s been actively involved with the Make-A-Play Foundation, where she dedicates her time to mentoring young athletes and helping them enhance their skills. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as an Events and Club Business Development Extern at the NFL.

Her time on the court at Howard University not only shaped her as an athlete but also added a significant feather to her cap. Jayla’s journey is a compelling blend of passion for sports and commitment to uplifting the next generation! 

How did Bryan and Jayla Thornton-Cook meet? 

The couple met in college in 2017, and their love for sports brought them together. Jayla was conquering the hoops while Bryan was slaying in the football field. Jayla even spoke about their initial days at the university while speaking to People Magazine. 

She said, “It’s funny — back then, we used to fight every day. We were best friends but argued constantly. I’d think, ‘This man always has something to say — whether it’s a slick comment or a joke,’” she said, explaining how they often bonded over food in the campus cafeteria and Chipotle. “That’s the best way for student-athletes to bond — eating together in the cafeteria.”

As their bond deepened, the demands of their athletic pursuits created a rift between them. Jayla made the bold leap to Syracuse to pursue her basketball dreams, while Bryan stayed focused on his football journey at Howard. Fast forward four years, and Bryan took a decisive step, transferring to the University of Cincinnati to join their football team and kicking off an intense training regimen in Virginia.

Meanwhile, Jayla returned to D.C., taking advantage of her sixth year of eligibility to play for George Washington University after graduating from Syracuse. With both finally back in the same area, they seized the moment to reignite the spark in their relationship. “As we got older, I realized what I was truly looking for in a partner. When I started catching feelings for Bryan, it was amusing to me. I thought, ‘Oh, it’s Bryan — how funny is that?’ But it all made sense as my feelings deepened,” she added.

The duo practically grew up together and saw each other’s ups and downs. Despite everything, they remained each other’s support system. 

When did the couple get married? Do they have kids?

Bryan and Jayla were married on June 24, 2023. Jayla was front and center at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII ring ceremony on June 13, 2023, where she also popped out with a major announcement—she was expecting! Fast forward to August 21, 2024, when their baby, by Jayc, was born.

As per Yahoo News, Jayla said, “It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and that focus on grace has made a significant difference for us. This is definitely a new chapter for us, but seeing how we’re starting to get a grip on it and being able to appreciate where we are in life is my main goal.”

On 8th September, Jayla gave her the good news that they were going to have another child. She wrote, “Family of 4 coming soon,” and posted adorable pictures with Bryan and their daughter, Jaycee. 

Jayla Thornton-Cook’s Instagram account

Jayla Thornton-Cook has over 8,000 followers on Instagram and is quite active on social media. She enjoys sharing glimpses of her life through posts and videos. You can follow her journey and updates on her official Instagram handle: @jaylatcook.

Jayla stays locked in as Bryan’s biggest supporter, pulling up to games, posting their best moments on IG, and celebrating every milestone. After the Chiefs’ 2024 Super Bowl win, she flexed on the timeline with, “2x Super Bowl Champs, this time w/ a plus 1,” proudly showing off her baby bump. And in August 2024, they hit another milestone—three years strong and still thriving. It’s safe to say that their love story is one for the books.