5 Shocking Facts About NFL Brothers Dalvin And James Cook: Are They Really Siblings?

The question of whether NFL stars Dalvin Cook and James Cook are actually brothers is one of the most frequently searched queries in professional football, and the answer is a resounding yes. Despite the commonality of the surname and the rarity of two siblings playing the same position at the highest level, Dalvin and James Cook are indeed biological brothers, separated by a four-year age difference and united by an elite athletic pedigree. As of December 2025, this dynamic duo continues to make headlines, with Dalvin, the elder brother, making an impact in the NFC, and James, the younger brother, solidifying his role as a premier back in the AFC, setting the stage for potential sibling showdowns that captivate fans across the league.

This article dives deep into the lives, careers, and undeniable family bond of the Cook brothers, providing the most current and comprehensive details on their journey from Miami, Florida, to becoming two of the most recognizable running backs in the National Football League. We’ll explore their distinct college careers, their NFL draft profiles, and their current team status for the 2025 season, establishing the full context of their unique fraternal rivalry.

The Cook Brothers: A Complete Biographical Profile

The Cook family is a true American success story, rooted in the competitive football culture of Miami. The brothers are two of six children born to their parents, James Cook Sr. and Varondria White (also cited as Varondria Burnett). This large, supportive family unit provided the foundation for their athletic pursuits, pushing them toward excellence from a young age. Their shared path began on the same high school field, a unique starting point for two future NFL talents.

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• Full Name (Older Brother): Dalvin James Cook
• Date of Birth: August 10, 1995
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 30
• Hometown: Miami, Florida
• High School: Miami Central High School (Miami, FL)
• College: Florida State University (FSU)
• NFL Draft: 2nd Round, 41st overall, 2017 (Minnesota Vikings)
• Current NFL Team (2025 Season): Dallas Cowboys
• Position: Running Back (RB)

• Full Name (Younger Brother): James Dalvin Cook III
• Date of Birth: September 25, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26
• Hometown: Miami, Florida
• High School: Miami Central High School (Miami, FL)
• College: University of Georgia (UGA)
• NFL Draft: 2nd Round, 63rd overall, 2022 (Buffalo Bills)
• Current NFL Team (2025 Season): Buffalo Bills
• Position: Running Back (RB)

The High School and College Pipeline: From Miami Central to the NFL

The Cook brothers' journey is a fascinating study in following in giant footsteps. Dalvin Cook was a standout star at Miami Central High School, setting the stage for his younger brother, James, to take over the backfield a few years later. This shared high school experience laid the groundwork for their competitive, yet supportive, relationship.

Dalvin Cook: The Florida State Legend

Dalvin Cook’s college career at Florida State University (FSU) was nothing short of legendary. He quickly established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in the country, playing for the Florida State Seminoles.

• Unanimous All-American: Dalvin earned this prestigious honor, a testament to his exceptional performance.
• FSU's All-Time Leading Rusher: Despite playing only three seasons, he finished his collegiate career with 4,464 rushing yards, setting the school record previously held by Warrick Dunn.
• Heisman Contender: His explosive play and consistent production made him a perennial candidate for the Heisman Trophy, the highest individual award in college football.

James Cook: The Georgia National Champion

While Dalvin’s college career was marked by individual records, James Cook’s time with the Georgia Bulldogs was defined by team success. He played a crucial role in Georgia's resurgence as a national powerhouse.

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• National Championship Victory: James was a key offensive weapon for the Bulldogs when they won the College Football Playoff National Championship in the 2021 season.
• Versatile Back: Unlike his brother, who was primarily a power runner, James was often utilized as a versatile back, excelling as a receiver out of the backfield, which boosted his draft stock.
• Draft Profile: James was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, following his brother’s footsteps as a second-round pick.

The difference in their college careers—one a record-setter, the other a champion—highlights their distinct paths to the professional level, yet both achieved elite status in the college ranks.

Sibling Rivalry and NFL Showdowns: The Cook vs. Cook Dynamic

The fact that Dalvin and James Cook are both professional running backs in the NFL creates a rare and compelling dynamic. They share the same position, the same blood, and now, the same professional stage, leading to a natural and celebrated sibling rivalry.

The AFC/NFC Divide and Head-to-Head Matchups

For several seasons, the brothers have been in opposite conferences or divisions, but the NFL schedule has frequently pitted them against each other, creating must-watch television for football fans.

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• First Clash: Their first professional matchup occurred in 2022 when James's Buffalo Bills hosted Dalvin's then-team, the Minnesota Vikings.
• AFC East Battles: When Dalvin briefly joined the New York Jets, the brothers were scheduled to play twice in a single season, intensifying the AFC East divisional rivalry.
• 2025 Status: As of the 2025 season, Dalvin Cook is with the Dallas Cowboys, and James Cook remains with the Buffalo Bills. This NFC-AFC split means their matchups are less frequent but still highly anticipated when they occur, often drawing massive media attention to the "Cook vs. Cook" storyline.

While the on-field rivalry is fierce, the brothers maintain a deep, supportive bond off the field. Both have spoken about the "dream come true" of sharing the NFL stage and the pride they take in each other's success. They frequently exchange advice, critiques, and encouragement, proving that their family tie is stronger than any competitive edge.

Topical Authority: Key Entities and LSI Keywords

To fully understand the significance of the Cook brothers in the NFL, it is essential to recognize the key entities and concepts that define their careers:

• Running Back (RB) Position: Both play the same highly competitive position, making their dual success even more remarkable.
• Miami Central High School: The common high school that serves as the nexus of their shared football origin.
• Florida State Seminoles: Dalvin's college team where he set all-time rushing records.
• Georgia Bulldogs: James's college team where he earned a National Championship.
• Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin’s original NFL team where he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections.
• Buffalo Bills: James’s current team, where he has become a dynamic, dual-threat offensive weapon.
• Dallas Cowboys: Dalvin’s current team for the 2025 season, continuing his veteran career in the NFC.
• Pro Bowl Selections: Dalvin is a multiple-time Pro Bowler, cementing his status as one of the league's top running backs of his era.
• Sibling Rivalry: The compelling narrative of brothers competing head-to-head in the world's most competitive football league.
• James Cook Sr. and Varondria White: The parents who raised two NFL stars and a large, supportive family.
• NFL Draft: Both were second-round draft picks, a rare feat for siblings.
• All-Time Leading Rusher: Dalvin's record at FSU is a major part of his legacy.
• National Championship: James's title at Georgia is a major part of his legacy.
• Topical Authority: The sheer volume of shared and individual achievements gives the Cook family a unique place in football history.

In conclusion, the answer to "Are James Cook and Dalvin Cook brothers?" is a definite yes. They are a powerful example of familial support and competition driving two athletes to the pinnacle of their sport. As the 2025 NFL season progresses, fans will continue to monitor the performance of these two elite running backs, hoping for another "Cook vs. Cook" matchup that pits brother against brother in a generational clash of talent.