AJ Cole

AJ Cole's Biography

AJ Cole III is an American professional football player best known for his role as a punter for the National Football League’s Las Vegas Raiders. Born on April 29, 1996 in College Park, Georgia, Cole was fueled by his passion for football from an early age.

Cole attended Woodward Academy in Atlanta where he had an impressive high school career. While at Woodward, he focused on playing as a kicker and punter and in his senior year, he was named First Team All-State as well as First Team All-Region by the GPSA (Georgia Private School Association).

After graduating from high school, Cole moved to North Carolina to attend North Carolina State University. He played as a punter and kicker for the NC State Wolfpack team from 2015 to 2018. Not only was he successful on the field, earning multiple accolades for his performance, but also outstanding in his academic pursuits, earning a degree in business supply operations management with a minor in accounting in 2018.

His college career peaked in his senior year when he earned All-ACC honors. By the end of his time at NCSU, he had become one of the most accomplished punters in the program’s history, ranking 2nd all-time in punts, 2nd in punting yards, and 3rd in punting average.

Despite his exceptional college performance, AJ Cole went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, but that did not dissuade him from pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. He was soon signed as a free agent by the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders), a moment that marked the beginning of an exciting professional career.

Following an impressive performance in training camp and pre-season games, Cole beat out veteran Johnny Townsend for the starting position as the Raiders’ punter for the 2019 season. Even as an undrafted rookie, he was well-received by the team and quickly proved his worth by averaging 46.0 yards on his 67 punts, with a long punt of 74 yards.

The 2020 season established Cole as a vital player within the Raiders’ roster. His capability to pin the ball inside the 20 yard line was praised, positioning the Raiders with an advantage in terms of field position. He successfully punted 44 times, averaging 45.5 yards per punt.

Cole is not just known for his football talent, but also his charitable endeavors. He is actively involved in various community service and charity projects. In 2020, he was nominated by the Raiders for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award, which recognizes exceptional efforts by members of the NFL to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans, and their families.

AJ Cole’s journey to the NFL was not easy, but through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication, he has established himself as a notable player and a valued member of the Las Vegas Raiders. As a key special teams player, he continues to prove his worth to the team and their ever-supportive fans.

With years of potential ahead of him, it appears likely that AJ Cole will continue to make his mark in the NFL, contributing not just through his athletic ability but also his character. His journey and career thus far serve as an inspiration to many aspiring football players and speak volumes about his determination, resilience, and commitment.