Buffalo running back James Cook is back to work two weeks early before the Bills training camp kicks off.
But instead of taking handoffs and catching passes from quarterback Josh Allen, Cook was the one tossing the football as he hosted several youth football camps for young and aspiring athletes and fans.
“It just gives motivation to them, they look up to me. However I can inspire them, I’m just going to keep doing it the best way I can,” Cook said to WKBW during his Buffalo camp took place Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.
The second-round 2022 NFL Draft pick turned 2024 Pro Bowler’s camps took place in three locations across New York state last week in the Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo areas.
“Just giving back is always good,” he noted to The Buffalo News. “If I make their day, that’s a good thing.”
The camps were operated in partnership with FlexWork Sports and sponsorship from Community Bank, with 333 reported registrants for the camp in Buffalo.
The campers ranged from 6 to 16 years old and were split into different age groups, they then rotated through drill stations for several hours between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
In addition to the drills, campers played in some seven-on-seven games with Cook at quarterback at times during the day.
He would end each game by huddling up with participants, yelling “Hard work!” on the count of three, with the hope of imparting a lesson to the campers.
“Just keep working hard, and you can make it,” the Bills’ back said.
The kids at the camp were excited to spend time around Buffalo’s RB1 as well.
“It was fun because James Cook was our quarterback,” said 3rd grader Kaden Williams of playing alongside the NFL pro.
Before any Bills fans get too excited at the prospect of Cook lining up under center for a trick play this season, they should know that he did throw at least one pick-six interception to seven-year-old Elliot Malick, who took a pass away and then ran it back for the score.
“Really cool. I’ve never done that – well, I’ve done it in a game,” Malick said about the experience. “It was fun.”
Some of Cook’s play on the NFL field even inspired non-football players to participate as well.
“I really like watching James Cook play football on the TV,” Reese Johnson said, noting that Cook’s ability to “can catch a ball in really rough conditions.” made her want to learn more from the running back himself.
“So, I asked my dad if I could come, and he said ‘Sure.’ … It’s really cool.”