Former Georgia running back James Cook capped off an impressive year for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. The Kansas City Chiefs ultimately walked away with a 27-24 win to move on to the AFC Championship, but the year Cook had shouldn’t go unnoticed.
The Bills took Cook with the No. 63 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft after Cook helped lead Georgia to its first national title in 41 years.
Cook served as backup to Devin Singletary during his rookie season, totaling 89 carries for 507 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also added another 180 yards on 21 catches and a score as a receiver.
After Singletary moved on to the Houston Texans, Cook was tasked with the starting role, something he was clearly prepared for. In 2023, Cook finished third among all NFL tailbacks in total scrimmage yards (1,567).
His 1,112 rushing yards marks the first time a Buffalo Bills running back has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark since LeSean McCoy in 2017. Cook is also the only Bill to rush for at least 1,000 yards within his first two seasons since Marshawn Lynch in 2007.
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Even though the Bills season ended in another early exit from the NFL playoffs, Buffalo has found a diamond in Cook.