‘I’d be dumb to say no’ – Bryan Cook gets real about what drove him to signing with the Cincinnati Bengals
Bryan Cook was a priority for the Cincinnati Bengals. Once he knew that was the case, his decision was obvious.
Bryan Cook sounds right at home with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Not just because Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor have noticed his leadership already blossoming, but because Cook is actually home. He’s a Cincinnati native and finished his college career at the University of Cincinnati. Four years playing for the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t erase his feelings for his hometown.
Nor could it have deterred him from coming back once the opportunity arose.
Bryan Cook knew he had to sign with the Bengals
Cook became a free agent for the first time in March. The 26-year old had options after building his resume and winning two rings with the Chiefs. None were as good as coming home. He told Bengals radio host Dan Hoard playing in his hometown in front of his family was a major factor in his decision.
“Oh, yeah, I mean, absolutely,” Cook said. “The opportunity to play in front of your loved ones is always a blessing. I did at the collegiate level, you know, playing for UC, and then at the professional level, I think the stakes a little higher. Because I came back home, now I’m married with two kids, so you know, having the opportunity for my family that I’m creating to experience with them that I was born in, and came from, it’s a remarkable opportunity for me.”
The fit was too perfect. The Bengals had a dire need at safety. Cook was arguably the top option hitting the open market. Even without the local ties, Cincinnati would’ve likely targeted Cook to be its highest-paid member of the secondary (before DJ Turner takes that title).
Cook was a priority. Once he knew that was the case, and it made sense for his wife as well, the decision was obvious.
“My lady, she’s, she’s from [New] Jersey, so having her be able to see her family too was a blessing. So it was a right fit. I mean, at the same time, the organization made it a priority to come get me, so you know, obviously I’d be dumb to say no. So I was very excited. I can’t fit it into words. I’m ready to work for sure.”
That’s quite the response. Cincy has been out of the playoffs more times than not during Cook’s NFL career. He’s trying to change that instead after nearly winning three straight championships with the club that drafted him.
And he’ll get to do it where it all began for him.