The Spartan Nation’s and Current Bengal Kyle Cook Gets New NFL Contract

While at MSU there wasn’t a finer young man who played with a bigger heart. Kyle Cook played great as a Spartan and he parlayed that into a chance in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted college free agent in 2007. They let Kyle go as one of their last cuts at the conclusion of the pre-season on September 1.

 

As is the case so often in the NFL, that wasn’t the best fit but it didn’t mean his career or dream were over. Kyle took his 6’3” 312# frame and moved on to Cincinnati. 

 

OL Coach for the Bengals Paul Alexander had this to say about Kyle’s 1 year $470,000 deal, “Kyle showed everyone last year that he’s a good player, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s tough, and as the center, he’s a leader - the brains of the operation."

 

The Bengals' added him to their practice squad and he stayed there for the remainder of the 2007 season. During the season, he didn’t see any live action and remained on the practice roster. 

After being activated and playing for five games early in 2008, he was then placed on the Reserve/Injured list due to a foot injury. Cook was the main reason that the Bengals offensive line did so well in 2009. His emergence at center was a key reason Carson Palmer was so well protected. 

The Bengals led by Cook only gave up 29 sacks (ninth in the NFL) and they were also ninth in the NFL in team rushing as they averaged 129 yards per NFL contest.

When Kyle left the Spartan Nation he had a construction management degree and all Big Ten honors to take with him. With the NFL heading into an uncapped 2011 campaign, this deal could he a monster for Cook. Widely considered, if not the best young NFL center, at least in the conversation with a strong 2010 he could be on the verge of a monster long-term deal. 

So what do you think about getting a monster long term deal Kyle? "As of now, there is nothing, but I’d love a longer deal."

Congratulations for a great Spartan and a super young man!