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 entered the NFL when the Washington Redskins selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 240 pounds, he has carved out a role as a reliable middle linebacker known for tackling and aggressive run defense.
After four seasons in the nation’s capital, Holcomb signed a multi-year deal with Pittsburgh in 2023 to take on a starting role. He is widely regarded as a hard-nosed defender whose work ethic and football intelligence have helped him move from an undrafted walk-on at North Carolina to a long-term NFL starter.
Early Life and Background
Cole Holcomb was born on July 30, 1996, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Growing up in a coastal Florida community, he developed an early love for football and other sports while attending local schools in the area. His hometown, known for its beaches and tight-knit athletic scene, helped shape a competitive mindset that would later define his professional career.
Holcomb attended New Smyrna Beach High School, where he played linebacker and earned a reputation for toughness and instincts on the field. Although he was not heavily recruited by major college programs coming out of high school, his determination and physical play caught the attention of the University of North Carolina coaching staff. That opportunity would eventually change the trajectory of his football career.
Path to Professional Football
Holcomb arrived at the University of North Carolina as a walk-on, meaning he was not initially awarded a scholarship. As a freshman, he appeared in all 14 games, mostly contributing on special teams while learning the pace and physicality of top-level college football. His playing time steadily grew, and he eventually earned a scholarship after proving himself through consistent effort and improvement.
Over his next three seasons with the Tar Heels, Holcomb played in 35 games and developed into the starting middle linebacker. During his senior year in 2018, he appeared in all 11 games, with the team’s matchup against UCF canceled because of Hurricane Florence. His strong senior campaign earned him second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (All-ACC) honors, a recognition that helped boost his visibility heading into the NFL Draft.
Cole Holcomb Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
The Washington Redskins selected Cole Holcomb in the fifth round, 173rd overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. Shortly after the draft, the team signed him to a four-year rookie contract worth about $2.75 million, including a signing bonus of $234,884. He quickly found a role on defense as a rotational linebacker and a regular contributor on special teams.
As a rookie in 2019, Holcomb made several impact plays, including forcing a fumble on Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a Week 8 loss. The following year, in 2020, he recorded a sack on Detroit Lions quarterback Jeff Driskel during a 19–16 win, showing his ability to pressure the passer. He also made his first career interception during the 2020 season, picking off Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton in a Week 7 victory.
Washington Commanders Tenure (2019–2022)
Holcomb spent his first four NFL seasons with the Washington franchise, which transitioned from the Redskins to the Football Team and then to the Commanders during his tenure. By 2021, he had become a key starter in the middle of the defense, recording 11 tackles against the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and adding an interception against New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston in 2021.
One of the defining moments of his time in Washington came in 2021, when he intercepted Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and returned the ball 31 yards for his first career touchdown. Heading into 2022, Holcomb was named the Commanders’ starting middle linebacker, but a knee injury limited him to seven games, and foot surgery ended his season in December. Despite the injury setback, his strong play cemented his reputation as a quality NFL linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2023–Present)
On March 16, 2023, Holcomb signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a $4.92 million signing bonus, to take over a starting linebacker role. He began the 2023 season strong, finishing with 54 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and multiple passes defensed through the early weeks of the year.
Unfortunately, Holcomb’s first season in Pittsburgh was cut short in Week 9 by a serious knee injury that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. He began 2024 on the reserve/PUP list and did not appear in any games that year, focusing instead on recovery. In 2025, he returned to action during the Steelers’ preseason and was a full participant in training camp, signaling his comeback. On March 11, 2026, the Steelers signed him to a two-year, $5 million contract extension, further securing his role in the defense.
Playing Style and Strengths
Holcomb is best known as a physical, downhill linebacker with strong run-defense instincts and a high motor. He excels at reading plays quickly, filling gaps against the run, and delivering sure tackles in the middle of the field. His intelligence and preparation also allow him to contribute in coverage, where he has shown the ability to make interceptions and break up passes when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Holcomb’s 31-yard pick-six against Dak Prescott in 2021 stands out as his first career touchdown. He also recorded a memorable 13-tackle performance against the Detroit Lions in 2019, signaling his early potential as a tackling machine. Reaching 469 total career tackles by Week 13 of the 2025 season marks another major milestone for the hard-working defender.
Cole Holcomb Career Achievements
Throughout his NFL career, Cole Holcomb has built a reputation as a dependable starting linebacker known for consistent tackling and big plays. His combination of instincts, work ethic, and durability when healthy has helped him earn a long-term contract with one of the league’s most storied franchises. He was also recognized as a second-team All-ACC selection during his senior season at North Carolina in 2018.
NFL Career Highlights
Over his NFL career, Holcomb has accumulated 469 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, and 1 defensive touchdown through Week 13 of the 2025 season. His first career win as a starter featured multiple big plays, while his most recent contributions came during the 2023 season before injury and his 2025 return to the field.
College and Other Performances
At North Carolina, Holcomb appeared in 49 career games and became a three-year starter at middle linebacker. His second-team All-ACC honor in 2018 was the top individual recognition of his college career and helped him earn his invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine and subsequent draft selection.
Cole Holcomb Family
Family Background and Personal Roots
Cole Holcomb grew up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he developed his passion for football alongside his local community. His upbringing in a coastal Florida town helped foster the disciplined and competitive mindset that has carried him through his professional career. While details about his parents and extended family remain largely private, his strong ties to his hometown remain an important part of his identity.
Personal Life
In June 2022, Holcomb married his wife, Casey Di Nardo, who played field hockey at North Carolina. The couple welcomed their daughter in June 2024. His family life has remained a source of motivation as he has worked through injury recoveries and continued his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Cole Holcomb’s return to the field after missing the entire 2024 campaign while recovering from knee surgery. He participated fully in Steelers training camp and played during the team’s preseason games, signaling a successful return to health. By Week 13 of the 2025 regular season, he had contributed 469 total tackles across his career and remained an integral part of Pittsburgh’s defensive rotation.
Holcomb’s presence helped stabilize the middle of the Steelers’ defense with his tackling and leadership. His return from a serious injury showcased his resilience and commitment to the team, as he worked his way back into a starting-caliber role. With another full offseason to prepare, his 2025 production laid the foundation for continued impact in 2026 and beyond.
Following the 2025 campaign, the Steelers rewarded Holcomb’s perseverance with a two-year, $5 million contract extension in March 2026. That move reinforced Pittsburgh’s confidence in his ability to remain a key contributor on defense for the foreseeable future. His long-term outlook with the franchise remains strong as he continues his comeback story.
