Mason Cole

Mason Cole's Biography

Mason Cole, a remarkable figure in professional American football, was born on March 28, 1996. From his early days in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Cole exhibited traits of a natural athlete. His grand performance while playing for the East Lake High School football team in his hometown earned him a spot as a four-year starter. Accreditation for his skills and efforts at this time is evident, having clinched a spot in the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and been named a first-team all-state player in Florida during the 2013 season. Eulogizing Cole’s talent, Bob Hudson, Cole’s high school coach, branded him an ideal player, applauded for his diligence, discipline, and coachability.

Cole’s football talent led to multiple scholarship offers from prestigious institutions, including Alabama, Florida, Florida State, and Ohio State. In February 2013, Cole made the decision to attend the University of Michigan. His early entry to Michigan in January 2014 was a crucial stepping stone in his football career. Earning plaudits for his performance in spring and fall practice, he managed to surpass the expectations of many sports enthusiasts. This led to conjecture that Cole stood a chance of starting as a true freshman, a prediction voiced by running back Justice Hayes.

Subsequently, in August 2014, at the age of 18, Cole did leave his mark in the history of Michigan football by becoming the first offensive lineman to start in a season opener as a true freshman. In the 2014 season opener, the Michigan backs set a Michigan single-game record with 9.7 yards per carry (350 yards on 36 carries), a feat attributed to the splendid performance of the offensive line led by Cole.

The 2016 and 2017 seasons witnessed the applauded stride of Mason Cole in college football. He was named twice to the All-Big Ten offensive second-team by both coaches and media for both seasons. His senior year also welcomed his acceptance to participate in the Senior Bowl slated for December 18, 2017, where he showcased his impressive skills under the eye of Denver Broncos’ head coach Vance Joseph.

The NFL Scouting Combine was where Cole performed all of the combine drills, standing as a strong prospect for the fourth round of the NFL draft. He carried out a magnificent performance at Michigan’s pro day on March 23, 2018, where he showcased his speed and agility.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Cole in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft, as the fourth center. On May 31, 2018, they sealed a four-year contract deal with him, worth $3.32 million. He was appointed the starting center in 2018 and did justice to the position, playing all 16 games. However, in the 2019 season, he backed the interior lineman and played two games at the left guard position replacing an injured teammate.

In 2021, Cole underwent a career shift moving to Minnesota Vikings in a trade deal involving a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He started at center for four weeks mid-season, yet an elbow injury in Week 15 sidelined him, leading him to be placed on injured reserve later that year.

A career renaissance occurred in 2022 for Cole, when he bagged a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the starting center. He played consistently, starting in every game in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, his tenure with the Steelers came to an end on February 23, 2024, when he was released from his contract.

Despite the ups and downs of his journey throughout his career, Mason Cole has established himself as a formidable professional football center. His dedication to the sport paired with his technical skills on the field have made him a memorable figure in the world of American football.