AJ Cole

AJ Cole Bio

Alfred James Cole III, professionally known as AJ Cole, is an American professional football punter for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 27, 1995, in Atlanta, Georgia, Cole has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and powerful punters in the league. He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack before joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, Cole has become a central figure in the Raiders’ special teams unit. His career has been marked by multiple All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl honors, reflecting his sustained excellence in the punting game.

Early Life and Background

Alfred James Cole III was born on November 27, 1995, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in College Park, Georgia. He attended Woodward Academy, where he was a multi-sport athlete participating in football, basketball, and soccer. His versatility as a young athlete helped shape the athletic foundation that would later define his professional career.

As a senior at Woodward Academy, Cole was named All-Metro Area by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a recognition that highlighted his standout high school performance. His dedication and skill during these formative years drew the attention of college recruiters and set the stage for his next chapter in the sport.

Cole’s family background and early life in the Atlanta area grounded him in a community with a rich football tradition. This environment provided him with both the inspiration and the resources to pursue football at a higher level.

Path to American Football

Cole’s journey to professional football began at NC State, where he became a four-year starter as the Wolfpack’s punter from 2014 to 2018. Over the course of his collegiate career, he accumulated 9,288 punting yards, placing him third in school history. He averaged 42.2 yards per punt, demonstrating the consistency and leg strength that would become his trademark.

During his time at NC State, Cole earned significant accolades, including being named a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy as a junior and a semifinalist as a senior. In 2017, he was awarded Honorable Mention All-American honors by GPR Analytics, underscoring his standing among the top punters in college football.

Despite his impressive college résumé, Cole went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2019, after participating in a rookie minicamp. This opportunity marked the beginning of his professional career and would prove to be the launching pad for his rise in the NFL.

AJ Cole Career

Early Career (2019–2020)

Cole made his NFL debut on September 9, 2019, against the Denver Broncos, punting three times for 134 yards with a 44.7-yard average. He beat out incumbent punter Johnny Townsend during training camp to secure a spot on the Raiders’ 53-man roster, a significant achievement for an undrafted rookie. Cole finished his rookie season with 67 punts for 3,081 yards, averaging 46.0 yards per punt.

In the 2020 season, Cole punted 44 times for an average of 44.1 yards. While his production remained steady, the season served as a developmental period that allowed him to adjust to the speed and demands of the professional game.

Las Vegas Raiders Breakthrough (2021–2023)

The 2021 season marked a turning point in Cole’s career. He led the league among qualified punters with a 50.03 yards-per-punt average, earning first-team All-Pro distinction and a selection to the 2022 Pro Bowl. On December 9, 2021, Cole signed a four-year, $12.4 million contract extension with the Raiders, cementing his status as the franchise’s long-term punter.

At the start of the 2022 season, Cole was named one of the team captains for the first time in his career, reflecting the respect he had earned within the organization. He recorded 59 punts for 2,884 net yards with a 48.88 average. On January 30, 2023, he was named to his second Pro Bowl, replacing Tommy Townsend.

The 2023 season saw Cole reach new heights. In Week 9 against the New York Giants, he punted five times for 318 yards, setting a then-NFL record for gross punt average in a single game at 63.6 yards, although the record was later broken in 2024. Cole finished the 2023 season with 75 punts for 3,783 yards and a 50.4-yard average, earning another first-team All-Pro selection and his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)

In Week 12 of the 2024 season against the Denver Broncos, Cole completed a 34-yard reception to Divine Deablo on a fake punt, becoming the first Raiders punter to complete a pass since Shane Lechler in 2012. The play also marked the longest completion by a punter in the NFL since 2017, highlighting Cole’s versatility and football intelligence.

On May 26, 2025, Cole signed a four-year, $15.8 million contract extension with the Raiders, making him the NFL’s highest-paid punter at the time. Later that season, on October 5, 2025, Cole had a punt blocked by Segun Olubi. Despite that moment, his standing within the organization remained secure.

Driving Style and Strengths

Cole’s strength as a punter lies in his exceptional leg power, allowing him to generate high gross averages and flip field position consistently. His ability to limit return yards and pin opponents inside the 20-yard line has been a hallmark of his career. Cole combines technical precision with situational awareness, making him a reliable weapon in both standard and high-pressure scenarios.

Notable Events and Milestones

Cole’s most celebrated milestone came in 2023 when he set an NFL single-game record for gross punt average at 63.6 yards. He has also achieved three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2021 to 2023 and two first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 and 2023. In 2025, his record-setting contract extension further underscored his elite status among NFL punters.

AJ Cole Career Wins

Throughout his professional career, AJ Cole has earned recognition as one of the premier punters in the NFL, accumulating multiple individual awards and honors. While punting is not traditionally measured by wins, Cole’s statistical achievements and All-Pro selections reflect his sustained excellence on the field.

Las Vegas Raiders Highlights

Cole has spent his entire NFL career with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders organization, amassing 445 punts for 21,572 yards with a career average of 48.48 yards per punt as of 2025. His longest punt stands at 83 yards, and he has placed 192 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. His consistent production has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ special teams unit since 2019.

Other Wins and Performances

In addition to his NFL accomplishments, Cole earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in 2017 during his senior season at NC State. His collegiate achievements, including his standing as a Wuerffel Trophy finalist, laid the foundation for his professional success.

AJ Cole Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Public information about AJ Cole’s family remains limited. He was raised in the College Park, Georgia, area and attended Woodward Academy, where his multi-sport involvement reflected a supportive environment for athletics.

Personal Life

Cole maintains a presence on social media platforms, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Beyond these public accounts, details about his personal life, including marital status and family, have not been widely publicized.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represents a new chapter for AJ Cole following his record-setting contract extension in May. Signed to a four-year, $15.8 million deal, Cole entered the season as the NFL’s highest-paid punter, a reflection of his elite standing within the league. His performance continues to anchor the Raiders’ special teams.

Through the early portion of the 2025 season, Cole has maintained his role as the team’s primary punter. While the season has included challenges, such as a blocked punt by Segun Olubi in October, his overall contributions remain integral to the Raiders’ defensive field-position strategy.

Looking ahead, Cole’s contract ensures his presence in Las Vegas through 2029, providing stability for both the player and the franchise. His continued excellence will be a key factor in the Raiders’ pursuit of postseason contention in the seasons to come.