Cole Fotheringham Bio
Cole Fotheringham (born October 11, 1997) is an American professional football tight end who has spent time on practice squads and active rosters across several National Football League franchises. He played college football for the Utah Utes from 2018 to 2021 before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 243 pounds, Fotheringham has built his professional career through a series of short stints with multiple organizations, primarily contributing on special teams and as a depth tight end.
Early Life and Background
Cole Fotheringham was born on October 11, 1997, in San Clemente, California, a coastal city in Orange County. He grew up in the same community where he would eventually attend high school, developing in a region known for producing competitive football talent. His early years in Southern California exposed him to the sport in a competitive environment that helped shape his path toward the college ranks.
Fotheringham attended San Clemente High School, where he played football and developed the physical skills that would later define his tight end profile. His combination of size and athleticism drew attention from college programs during his high school years. He graduated from San Clemente and went on to pursue football at the next level, eventually joining the University of Utah.
Path to American Football
Fotheringham’s path to professional American football began in earnest when he joined the Utah Utes program in 2018. He spent four seasons competing at the Pac-12 program, working his way into the rotation as a tight end while contributing as a blocker and occasional receiver. His development in Utah’s pro-style offense helped prepare him for the demands of the NFL.
After completing his college career, Fotheringham entered the 2022 NFL draft process but went undrafted. He then signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2022, beginning his professional journey. His path to the league reflected the typical route for late-developing or under-recruited tight ends, relying on opportunity, perseverance, and a willingness to work through practice squad and short-term roster moves.
Cole Fotheringham Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Cole Fotheringham signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2022, beginning his professional career. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, and re-signed to the Raiders’ practice squad the following day. Fotheringham spent the rest of the 2022 season developing on the practice squad while learning the Raiders’ offensive system.
On January 10, 2023, Fotheringham signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders, securing his place with the organization into the offseason. He was once again waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. His first significant opportunity came late in the 2023 season when he was elevated to the active roster before the team’s Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, with starter Michael Mayer sidelined by injury.
Las Vegas Raiders Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Fotheringham made his NFL debut on December 24, 2023, playing 19 offensive snaps for the Raiders. In that game, he caught his only target from quarterback Aidan O’Connell for a six-yard reception, recording his first career stats. The performance marked a milestone moment for the undrafted tight end, validating the work he had put in through the practice squad.
He was elevated to the active roster again on December 30, 2023, after Mayer and Jesper Horsted were ruled out for Week 17. However, Fotheringham suffered a hamstring injury during that game and missed the remainder of the regular season. On January 8, 2024, he signed another reserve/future contract with the Raiders, but was waived on August 27, 2024, during training camp cuts. Through his first two seasons, Fotheringham had recorded 1 reception for 6 receiving yards.
Houston Texans Era (2024)
On August 29, 2024, Cole Fotheringham signed with the practice squad of the Houston Texans. The move gave him an opportunity with a new organization and a fresh chance to compete for a roster spot. However, his time in Houston was brief, as he was released by the Texans on September 9, 2024.
Despite the short stay, Fotheringham’s signing with Houston reflected his continued ability to attract interest from teams in need of tight end depth. The brief Texans stint was a quick chapter in a career defined by movement between practice squads and active rosters.
Las Vegas Raiders Return (2024)
On October 1, 2024, Fotheringham returned to familiar ground, signing with the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders. The reunion offered him continuity in a system he knew well from his previous three seasons with the organization. He was released on December 17, 2024, ending his second stint with the Raiders.
Denver Broncos Era (2025)
On May 12, 2025, Cole Fotheringham signed with the Denver Broncos, joining another AFC West organization. His opportunity with Denver was cut short when he was waived with an injury designation on June 3, 2025. The following day, Fotheringham reverted to injured reserve, and on June 5, he was waived with an injury settlement, ending his brief time with the Broncos.
New England Patriots Era (2025)
On July 30, 2025, Fotheringham signed with the New England Patriots, joining the team late in the offseason. He was released by New England on August 22, 2025, as the Patriots trimmed their roster ahead of the regular season. As of 2025, Fotheringham remains a free agent available to sign with another NFL team.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a tight end, Cole Fotheringham brings a physical presence to the position, using his 6-foot-4, 243-pound frame as both a run blocker and a pass catcher. His career has been defined by versatility and dependability, traits that have allowed him to be elevated to active rosters when teams have needed depth. Fotheringham has demonstrated the kind of professional resilience valued on practice squads, where day-to-day preparation is critical.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fotheringham’s most notable professional milestone came on December 24, 2023, when he made his NFL debut for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he recorded his first career reception, a six-yard catch from quarterback Aidan O’Connell. The moment represented the culmination of years of work since going undrafted out of Utah in 2022.
Cole Fotheringham Career Wins
As a tight end, Cole Fotheringham’s on-field production has been limited, with his verified career NFL statistics through the 2024 season including 1 reception for 6 receiving yards and 0 receiving touchdowns. His professional career has been defined more by perseverance and roster movement than by statistical output, as he has spent significant time on practice squads across multiple organizations.
NFL Career Highlights
Cole Fotheringham’s primary NFL career highlight is his single reception, a six-yard catch recorded during his debut game on December 24, 2023. The catch came against the Kansas City Chiefs and marked his only verified regular-season statistic at the NFL level. Beyond that reception, Fotheringham’s contributions have come primarily through practice squad work and brief elevations to active rosters.
Other Performances
Fotheringham played college football for the Utah Utes from 2018 to 2021, contributing as a tight end in the Pac-12 Conference. While his specific college statistics are not detailed in available verified sources, his time at Utah prepared him for the NFL level and helped him earn a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent.
Cole Fotheringham Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly verified details about Cole Fotheringham’s parents and family background are not available in current sources. He was raised in San Clemente, California, where he attended high school and developed as a football player.
Personal Life
Verified personal life details for Cole Fotheringham, including marital status, spouse, or children, are not currently available in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Cole Fotheringham. He signed with the Denver Broncos on May 12, 2025, but was waived with an injury designation on June 3 before ultimately being released with an injury settlement on June 5. The short stay in Denver cut short what could have been a fresh opportunity with a new organization.
Fotheringham then signed with the New England Patriots on July 30, 2025, giving him another chance to compete for a roster spot. However, he was released by New England on August 22, 2025, as teams trimmed their rosters ahead of the regular season. As of the 2025 season, Fotheringham is a free agent.
Looking ahead, Fotheringham’s career outlook depends on his ability to stay healthy and continue performing as a dependable practice squad tight end. His history of being elevated to active rosters when teams face injury issues suggests he remains a viable option for organizations in need of tight end depth during the 2025 season and beyond.