The Buffalo Bills' decorated running back, who had a lot to celebrate this offseason, explained his decision to train in Miami as opposed to attending voluntary
The 2022 second-round draft pick was heading into the final season of his rookie contract, and he understandably wanted to get paid handsomely with a new deal.
, one rushing title and one year later, Cook again opted to forego the Bills' voluntary Organized Team Activities in Orchard Park. We wrote about head coachBuffalo Bills running back James Cook III finds a hole and runs through it avoiding several Eagles during first half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025.
| Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images "I'm always gonna want guys here, but it's voluntary. It's part of it," said Brady.
"Jimbo has a great work ethic and a great approach. It was really good to be around him yesterday. I'm excited for him to get out there. I know he's excited to be with the guys again.
"Cook spends the majority of his offseason days training in his native South Florida. When asked why he chose to remain in Miami as opposed to attending OTAs in Western New York, Cook suggested that setting gives him an opportunity to remain physically fit while being available for his children.
"Family. I mean, I have kids that stay in Miami, so I just wanted to be around them a lot more and just keep, continue to work and get better," said Cook.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates with quarterback Josh Allen after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images, and earned a third consecutive Pro Bowl nod, Cook enjoyed an important life milestone when participating in the University of Georgia's commencement ceremony this past spring. Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook during AFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images "I mean, it was great," said Cook.
"It was an accomplishment that I had on my goal list, and I scratched it off, so let's keep going. " The 26-year-old Cook received his Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences on May 8 in Athens. Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets.
Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.
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