Randall Cobb (American football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Randall Cobb

Cobb with the Green Bay Packers in 2011
No. 18
Position:	Wide receiver
Personal information
Born:	(1990-08-22) August 22, 1990 (age 35) Maryville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	192 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school:	Alcoa (Alcoa, Tennessee)
College:	Kentucky (2008–2010)
NFL Draft:	2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 64
Career history
Green Bay Packers (2011–2018) Dallas Cowboys (2019) Houston Texans (2020) Green Bay Packers (2021–2022) New York Jets (2023)
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowl (2014) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011) First-team All-American (2010) 2× First-team All-SEC (2009, 2010)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 630 Receiving yards: 7,624 Rushing yards: 364 Return yards: 2,829 Total touchdowns: 57
Player stats at PFR

Randall Ladonald Cobb II (born August 22, 1990) is a former professional football player. He played as a wide receiver for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was recognized as an All-American in 2010. The Green Bay Packers chose Cobb in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and New York Jets.

Growing Up and High School Sports

Randall Cobb was born to Randall Cobb Sr. and Tina Cobb. His parents worked hard at a car parts factory in Maryville, Tennessee. Young Randall often helped his dad with extra jobs like mowing lawns.

Cobb went to Alcoa High School in Alcoa, Tennessee. He was a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, and track. His high school football team won the State Championship four times! Cobb even received a "Mr. Football" trophy. He played many positions in football, but he was especially good as a quarterback. He was also a strong basketball player and a fast runner in track. He finished third in the state for the 100-meter dash in his senior year.

College Football Journey

Cobb played college football at the University of Kentucky. In his first year, he played quarterback and was named to the SEC All-Freshmen team. He scored 11 touchdowns that season.

In his second year, he mostly played wide receiver. He also helped out with special teams, returning kicks and even playing quarterback in a special "Wildcat" formation. He scored 15 touchdowns that year.

For his junior season, Cobb had a new coach who praised him as a great leader. He continued to score many touchdowns, including one on a punt return. In one game, he scored four touchdowns, tying a Kentucky school record. He was also the first Kentucky player in years to score a rushing, passing, and receiving touchdown in the same game. After this successful junior year, he decided to enter the NFL Draft.

Professional Football Career

First Time with the Green Bay Packers

Cobb playing for the Packers in 2012

The Green Bay Packers picked Randall Cobb in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. He was the seventh wide receiver chosen that year.

In his very first NFL game in September 2011, Cobb made history. He was the first player born in the 1990s to play in the NFL. He scored his first touchdown with a 32-yard catch. Later in the same game, he returned a kickoff for 108 yards, which tied an NFL record for the longest kickoff return ever! This play was even named "Play of the Year."

Later that season, Cobb scored another special teams touchdown, this time on an 80-yard punt return. He became the first rookie for the Packers to return both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the same season. He had a great first year, especially on special teams.

Becoming a Key Player

In 2012, Cobb became a key player for the Packers. He led the team in catches and receiving yards. He also set a new team record for combined yards (receiving, rushing, and returns) in a single season, leading the entire NFL in that area.

In 2013, Cobb faced a challenge when he broke his fibula, an injury that kept him out for several weeks. However, he returned for the final game of the season against the Chicago Bears. In that game, he caught a memorable 48-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers late in the game, which helped the Packers win their division title.

Pro Bowl Season

The 2014 season was one of Cobb's best. He had many games with over 100 receiving yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He was even chosen to play in the Pro Bowl, which is a special game for the best players in the NFL. The Packers had a great season, winning 12 games. They made it to the NFC Championship game but lost in overtime.

Continuing to Shine

In 2015, Cobb signed a new contract with the Packers. He had another strong season, especially after his teammate Jordy Nelson got injured. Cobb had a game with three receiving touchdowns and was part of a famous play called the "Miracle in Motown" where the Packers won with a last-second touchdown.

In 2016, Cobb continued to be an important part of the Packers' offense. In a playoff game against the New York Giants, he had an amazing performance with three touchdowns, including catching a "Hail Mary" pass from Aaron Rodgers right before halftime.

Cobb in 2017

The 2017 season was a bit tougher for the Packers, as their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured. Cobb still played well, catching 66 passes for 653 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2018, Cobb started the season strong with a 142-yard game and a long 75-yard touchdown catch that helped the Packers win. However, he later suffered a hamstring injury that limited his playing time for several weeks.

Time with Other Teams

Dallas Cowboys

In 2019, Randall Cobb joined the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly made an impact, catching his first touchdown with the team in their opening game. He had a great season with the Cowboys, including two games where he gained over 100 receiving yards.

Houston Texans

In 2020, Cobb signed with the Houston Texans. He was brought in to be a key receiver for their team. He scored his first touchdown as a Texan in Week 3. Later that season, he had a toe injury that placed him on injured reserve.

Second Time with the Green Bay Packers

Cobb in 2021

In July 2021, Cobb returned to the Green Bay Packers after his close friend and former teammate, Aaron Rodgers, asked for him to come back. He continued to score touchdowns for the Packers, but an ankle injury in Week 12 put him on injured reserve again. He was able to return for a playoff game, but the Packers lost.

In 2022, Cobb played in 13 games for the Packers, catching 34 passes. He was placed on injured reserve again due to an ankle injury but was activated later in the season.

New York Jets

In May 2023, Cobb signed with the New York Jets, joining Aaron Rodgers on his new team. He scored one touchdown for the Jets in Week 14.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Playoff Stats

Life After Playing Football

As of July 2024, Randall Cobb announced that he joined the SEC Network as a sports analyst. This means he talks about football games and players on TV. He also mentioned that he would be open to playing football again if the right chance came along.

Family Life

Randall Cobb is married to Aiyda, and they have two sons, Caspian and Cade. Randall's longtime teammate, Aaron Rodgers, is the godfather of Cade. In August 2023, it was shared that Cobb and his wife were expecting their third child.

Cobb is also related to other NFL players, Shannon Mitchell and Billy Williams.

See also

In Spanish: Randall Cobb para niños