Bills superstar disrespected in latest national rankings after historic season that left NFL defenses gasping
James Cook deserves more respect in the NFL.
The Buffalo Bills have a superstar on their hands in running back James Cook.
Ahead of the 2025 season, there were talks of a potential contract extension for the star running back. Cook wanted more money, and it seemed the fan base wasn’t too keen on paying a substantial amount for Cook. A hold-in occurred, and it eventually led to Cook getting a brand-new deal.
What happened next, as they say, is history. Cook went on to lead the league in total rushing yards and was a huge asset to the team during the 2025 season. Buffalo led the league in rushing, thanks in large part to what Cook was able to do on the football field.
However, despite playing out of his mind and looking worth every penny and more of his contract, Cook still finds himself disrespected in a big way. It just cannot stand, and this type of thing really grinds my gears. PFF released their top 101 players of the 2025 season, and Cook appeared at No. 77, one spot lower than where he was ranked after last season.
After such an amazing season, it feels disrespectful that Cook managed to drop down in rankings after really ascending as one of the best running backs at his position, all while taking home the rushing title for the entire league.
“Cook racked up a career-high 1,784 rushing yards in the regular season and playoffs, over 500 more than in any other season in his four-year career. His 64 missed tackles forced on carries were the fourth most among running backs.” – PFF
James Cook wasn’t the top running back on PFF’s list
Cook was outranked by a few running backs, including Seattle Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III (33), Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (30), and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (54). All three individuals are exceptional at their craft and are featured more in the team’s passing attack, but Cook at No. 77 just feels way too high and more than a little disrespectful.
The Bills’ running back finished his season with 309 carries for 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with 33 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns. New head coach Joe Brady and the offense, with Pete Carmichael Jr taking over as offensive coordinator, will look to get Cook involved more in the passing game next season.
Maybe with a few more catches, people will come around to Cook’s greatness.
You don’t lead the NFL in rushing, have 64 missed tackles, and carry an offense that finished No. 1 on the ground and then somehow get told you’re the 77th-best player in football.
If this is what disrespect looks like after a rushing title, then so be it. Cook doesn’t need validation from a ranking list, and neither does the Bills Mafia. The only list that matters is the one in February.
If Buffalo gets where it wants to go in 2026, don’t be surprised when the so-called “No. 77” player is a big reason why.
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