Quarterback Brady Cook has become one of the most talked-about young signal-callers in the NFL as he enters Week 15 as the New York Jets’ starter. From an impressive college career at Missouri to earning an unexpected NFL opportunity, Cook’s rise has captured football attention.
Early Life & Missouri Career
Brady Cook was born on October 12, 2001, in St. Louis, Missouri, and developed into a standout quarterback at Chaminade College Prep before committing to the University of Missouri. At Missouri, Cook steadily built a reputation as a productive and resilient playmaker.
Over five seasons with the Tigers, Cook appeared in 46 games with 39 starts, becoming one of the most durable and reliable quarterbacks in program history. During his college career, he completed roughly 65.5% of his passes and threw for over 9,000 yards with 49 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. He also showcased dual-threat ability, rushing for more than 1,200 yards and scoring 20 rushing touchdowns.
Cook’s senior seasons featured multiple 200-yard games, efficiency in the passing game, and growth as a leader—attributes that helped Missouri compete against top opponents.
College Stats That Mattered
During his Missouri tenure:
-
Passing Yards: ~9,000+
-
Completion Rate: ~65%
-
Passing Touchdowns: ~49
-
Interceptions: 15
-
Rushing Yards: ~1,200
-
Rushing TDs: ~20
These numbers reflected Cook’s dual-threat nature and ability to manage the offense effectively. His mobility and decision-making, combined with toughness in the pocket, made him a steady presence for the Tigers.
Draft & NFL Entry
Despite a strong college resume, Brady Cook went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft—a surprise to many analysts who saw him as a viable developmental prospect. Shortly after the draft, the New York Jets signed him as an undrafted free agent, recognizing his athleticism, arm talent, and leadership traits.
During the preseason, Cook completed 65.8% of his passes for 235 yards, adding a touchdown and demonstrating poise that earned him a spot on the Jets’ practice squad. Later in the year, he was promoted to the active roster as teams dealt with injuries at the quarterback position.
2025 NFL Season & Stats
Cook made his NFL debut when injuries sidelined Jets veterans Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields. In that appearance against the Miami Dolphins, he completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards with two interceptions, showing flashes of potential despite growing pains.
As of Week 14 of the 2025 season, Cook’s official NFL stats include:
-
Passing Yards: 163
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
Interceptions: 2
-
Completion Percentage: 46.7%
-
Quarterback Rating: 35.8
These numbers reflect the challenges of transitioning to the professional level under difficult in-game circumstances.
Named Jets Starter in Week 15
In a franchise-first move of the 2025 season, the New York Jets announced Brady Cook as their official starting quarterback for Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With both Taylor and Fields ruled out due to injuries, Cook will make his first NFL start—an opportunity that underscores his progress and the organization’s belief in his development.
This decision marks a major milestone in Cook’s career: from undrafted free agent to named starter in just his rookie season. Jets coach Aaron Glenn highlighted Cook’s competitive nature and readiness to step in when called upon.
What This Means for Cook’s Future
Brady Cook’s ascent from Missouri to the NFL spotlight is a testament to perseverance. Despite going undrafted, his work ethic and performance in practice earned the trust of coaches and teammates. His Week 15 start gives him a platform to showcase growth, adaptability, and the skills that made him a standout at Missouri.
NFL fans and analysts will now watch to see if Cook can turn this chance into sustained success—possibly shaping his role with the Jets well beyond 2025.
Leave a Reply