Did Dalvin Cook Retire?

Dalvin James Cook (born August 10, 1995) is an American professional football running back who has played eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his explosive rushing style and versatility, Cook established himself as one of the premier running backs of his era during his six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 to 2022.

Born in Opa-locka, Florida, near Miami, Cook grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his younger brother James later becoming an NFL running back for the Buffalo Bills. Cook attended Miami Central High School, where he played both running back and defensive back under coach Telly Lockette. Starting as a sophomore, he shared carries with friend Joseph Yearby before dominating as a senior in 2013, rushing for 1,940 yards and 34 touchdowns on 177 carries (11.0 average), plus three interceptions on defense. He led his team to a Class 6A state championship, rushing for 223 yards and four touchdowns in the final game. Named Mr. Florida Football, he earned USA Today All-USA and 247Sports Second-team All-American honors, finishing high school with 4,267 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns.

At Florida State University (2014-2016), Cook shattered records under coach Jimbo Fisher, rushing for 4,464 career yards and 46 touchdowns, including a single-season mark of 1,691 yards in 2015. Adding 935 receiving yards, he earned unanimous All-American in 2016 and first-team honors in 2015, despite off-field scrutiny including a battery charge (later acquitted) in 2015. He was named MVP of the 2014 ACC Championship Game and broke Warrick Dunn's career rushing record at Florida State.

Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 (second round, 41st overall), Cook's stock had dipped due to legal issues and injuries, but he quickly proved his value. An ACL tear limited his rookie year to just four games, but he rebounded with consistent 1,000-yard seasons from 2019-2022. His peak came in 2020, when he led the league with 1,557 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl and signing a five-year, $63 million contract extension. He earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 to 2022, ranking as high as 20th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

After being released by the Vikings in June 2023 after declining a pay cut, Cook signed with the New York Jets but had a limited role, appearing in 15 games with just 67 carries for 214 yards. He mutually agreed to part ways with the Jets in January 2024, then signed with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and was elevated for the playoffs, rushing eight times for 23 yards in the Divisional Round. In August 2024, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, reuniting with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, but was elevated for only two games, totaling eight carries for 20 yards. He was not re-signed after the 2024 season.

As of November 2025, Cook remains a free agent with no recorded games, signings, or practice activity in the 2025 season. His career totals include 6,227 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, 237 receptions, 1,882 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns over 89 regular season games. Despite his impressive production, fumbles (21 career, 16 lost) and off-field issues have been points of criticism, though his resilience and family focus highlight a complex legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Dalvin Cook?
Dalvin Cook was born on August 10, 1995, making him 31 years old as of 2026. He will turn 32 on August 10, 2027.

What team is Dalvin Cook on?
Dalvin Cook is currently not on any NFL team. As of November 2025, he is a free agent with no recorded games, signings, or practice activity in the 2025 season. He was not re-signed by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2024 season, where he appeared in only two games from the practice squad. Prior to that, he played for the Minnesota Vikings (2017-2022), New York Jets (2023), Baltimore Ravens (2023 playoffs), and Dallas Cowboys (2024).

Has Dalvin Cook retired?
No, Dalvin Cook has not officially announced his retirement. However, as of November 2025, he has not signed with any team and has no recorded activity in the 2025 season, suggesting he may be stepping away from football. He remains a free agent, and there have been no reports of him practicing or playing with any team as of Week 13 of the 2025 season.

What is Dalvin Cook's career statistics?
Dalvin Cook has career NFL statistics of 6,227 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, 237 receptions, 1,882 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns over 89 regular season games. He also has 21 career fumbles (16 lost). His best season was 2020, when he led the league with 1,557 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection. In the playoffs, he has 60 carries for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns in 4 games.

Why was Dalvin Cook released by the Vikings?
Dalvin Cook was released by the Minnesota Vikings on June 9, 2023, after he declined to take a pay cut. The Vikings were looking to reduce his salary cap hit, but Cook chose not to accept a reduced contract, leading to his release after six seasons with the team. He had signed a five-year, $63 million extension in 2020, but the team decided to move on after his production declined in 2022.

What awards did Dalvin Cook win?
Dalvin Cook earned numerous accolades during his career, including four Pro Bowl selections (2019-2022), NFL rushing yards leader (2020), and NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2020). He was ranked on the NFL Top 100 Players list four times: #21 (2020), #20 (2021), #31 (2022), and #91 (2023). In college, he won the Jim Brown Trophy (2015), earned unanimous All-American honors (2016), first-team All-American (2015), and two first-team All-ACC selections (2015, 2016).