FSU football: 15 greatest NFL careers ever by former Seminoles

FSU football greatest NFL career No.12: Dalvin Cook

A former star running back at Florida State in the mid-2010s, Dalvin Cook finished Top-10 in the Heisman voting twice in his career, but that wouldn’t compare to the success he’s had to this point in the NFL.

Cook was drafted 41st overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and spent the last six years as their primary running back. His career got off to a hot start, though his rookie year was cut short after just four games by an ACL tear. Cook has dealt with injury issues a few times in his career, but he hasn’t let that slow him down.

In 2019, Cook had his first 1000-yard rushing season, scoring 13 touchdowns for the Vikings and helping lead them to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He was also voted to the first Pro Bowl of his career, but it certainly wouldn’t be his last.

Cook has been eclipsed 1100 rushing yards and has been voted to the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons. He’s had a pair of 200-yard rushing performances in wins over Detroit (2020) and Pittsburgh (2021). He’s been an essential piece for the Vikings’ offense in the last few years and actually played all 17 games this past season.

However, Cook was cut by the Vikings recently and is still looking for a new team for next season. Regardless, his work has been exceptional and he certainly stands out as one of the greatest running backs in Florida State history.