Cole Holcomb Bio
Cole Holcomb is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Holcomb has established himself as a significant player in the NFL, known for his defensive skills and contributions to his teams.
Early Life and Background
Cole Holcomb was born on July 30, 1996, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA. He attended New Smyrna Beach High School, where he began to develop his skills in football. Holcomb’s passion for the sport was evident from a young age, and he was actively involved in his high school football team, which laid the foundation for his future career in the NFL. After high school, he went on to play college football at the University of North Carolina, where he further honed his skills and gained recognition for his performance on the field.
Path to American Football
Holcomb walked on to the North Carolina Tar Heels football team as a freshman and quickly made an impact. He appeared in all 14 games during his first year, primarily contributing on special teams. His playing time increased as he demonstrated his abilities, eventually earning a scholarship. Over the next three seasons, he played in 35 games and became the starting middle linebacker. In his senior season, he earned second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors for his impressive performance. Holcomb’s college career was marked by significant growth and development, which prepared him for the challenges of professional football.
Cole Holcomb Career
Early Career (2019 – 2022)
Cole Holcomb was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, being the 173rd overall pick. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.75 million, which included a signing bonus of $234,884. During his rookie season, he made a notable impact, recording significant tackles and forcing fumbles. Holcomb’s performance continued to improve, and he became a key player for the team. He recorded a career-high 13 tackles in a game against the Detroit Lions and made several interceptions, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Breakthrough (2023 – Present)
In March 2023, Holcomb signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth $18 million, which included a signing bonus of $4.92 million. His first season with the Steelers was marked by challenges, including a serious knee injury that ended his season early. Despite this setback, he managed to finish the season with 54 total tackles, demonstrating his resilience and determination. Holcomb began the 2024 season on the reserve/PUP list while recovering from his injury, but he returned to the field for the 2025 preseason games, indicating his commitment to the sport and readiness to contribute to his team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cole Holcomb’s career highlights include being named a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player in 2018 and making significant contributions to both the Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His defensive statistics reflect his impact on the field, with a total of 469 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions as of Week 13, 2025.
Cole Holcomb Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cole Holcomb has received recognition for his performance on the field, including being named a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player in 2018.
Cole Holcomb Awards Won
Cole Holcomb has won the second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference award in 2018, highlighting his achievements during his college football career.
Cole Holcomb Family
Information regarding Cole Holcomb’s family is limited and not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Cole Holcomb’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. His focus remains primarily on his professional football career.
