AJ Cole

Punter

FROM UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT TO PRO BOWL PUNTER

Alfred James “AJ” Cole III has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier punters since joining the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 220 pounds, Cole’s combination of size and skill has been instrumental in his ascent to the top ranks of professional football.

Born on November 27, 1995, in Atlanta, Georgia, Cole attended Woodward Academy in College Park, where he showcased his athletic talents as a punter. His high school performance earned him a spot at North Carolina State University, where he played four seasons with the Wolfpack. During his collegiate career, Cole honed his punting skills, preparing him for the challenges of the NFL.

JOINING THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Cole’s persistence led him to a tryout with the Raiders during their rookie mini-camp. Impressing the coaching staff, he secured a spot on the roster and quickly established himself as a reliable special teams contributor.

Throughout his time with the Raiders, Cole has consistently demonstrated exceptional punting abilities. In 2021, he led the NFL with a 50.0-yard average on 64 punts, placing 28 inside the 20-yard line, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. The following year, he maintained his high performance, finishing fourth in the league with a 48.9-yard gross punting average on 59 punts, securing his second consecutive Pro Bowl invitation.

In a standout performance during Week 9 of the 2021 season, Cole set an NFL single-game record by averaging 63.9 yards per punt against the New York Giants, showcasing his powerful leg, skills, and precision.

As of the 2024 season, Raiders punter AJ Cole has played in 100 games, recording 374 punts for 18,193 yards, averaging 48.6 yards per punt, with 168 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. Pretty impressive for an undrafted NFL punter!

aj1

aj2

aj3

Did You Know?

AJ Cole is actively involved in charity and community service. In 2022, he was the Raiders’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his dedication to helping others.

He supports Special Olympics Nevada, participating in flag football events and promoting inclusivity. Through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, he represented The Kenya Project, a nonprofit providing resources for children in Kenya.

Inspired by his father’s selfless leadership, Cole views his NFL platform as an opportunity to serve, saying, “I really think the reason that I’ve been put in this position is so that I have the opportunity to serve.”

AJ Cole and his wife, Kylie

Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole is married to Kylie (Pickrell) Cole, a professional volleyball player. The couple met while attending North Carolina State University, where AJ played football, and Kylie was a standout volleyball player. They began dating in 2017 and tied the knot in March 2023 at the Aria in Las Vegas.

Kylie, who has plays for the San Diego Mojo, shares a deep commitment to athletics with AJ. We need to bring her to the Las Vegas Thrill! Pay attention coach! And if you haven’t seen the Thrill play, make it a date night and go, it’s fun!

Their relationship is marked by mutual support and a shared dedication to their respective sports careers. Beyond their professional lives, AJ and Kylie enjoy traveling, fitness, and spending quality time together.

Kylie, known for her competitive spirit on the court, has been a significant source of encouragement for AJ throughout his football journey. Likewise, AJ has been a strong supporter of Kylie’s volleyball career, often attending her games, celebrating her victories, and cheering her on.

The couple’s passion for sports extends beyond competition, as they both advocate for youth involvement in athletics and often share glimpses of their training routines on social media. Their strong bond and love for sports continue to inspire those around them.