Brady Cook is getting the start under center for the Jets this Sunday against the Jaguars - and it’s a moment steeped in both opportunity and history. The undrafted rookie out of Missouri is being thrust into the spotlight after making his NFL debut last week in relief of an injured Tyrod Taylor during a rough outing against the Dolphins.
Cook’s first taste of NFL action was a mixed bag. He finished 14-of-30 for 163 yards and two interceptions, and while the stat line won’t turn heads, it’s worth noting he actually outgained Tua Tagovailoa through the air.
Still, it was a tough day all around for the Jets, who gave up 239 rushing yards and couldn’t get much going on either side of the ball. Cook also put the ball on the turf twice, but both fumbles were recovered by New York.
Now, with Taylor nursing a groin injury and Justin Fields also banged up, the Jets are turning to Cook as their starter - and doing so without adding another quarterback to the roster this week. It’s a bold move, but one that speaks to the coaching staff’s willingness to see what they have in the rookie.
Cook’s college resume offers some insight into why the Jets might be intrigued. He was a steady presence at Missouri, starting 38 games over three seasons and leading the Tigers to a 26-12 record during that stretch.
Beyond the box score, Cook earned recognition as a two-time SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year - a distinction previously achieved only by Tim Tebow and Barrett Jones. That’s not just a nod to his academic chops; it speaks to his preparation, leadership, and maturity - qualities that matter in the huddle, especially when you're trying to stabilize a 3-10 team.
And while Cook’s start might seem like a desperate move on the surface, it also carries a bit of historical weight. Nearly 50 years ago to the day - December 15, 1975 - the Jets last started an undrafted rookie quarterback.
That day, it was J.J. Jones filling in for an injured Joe Namath.
Jones completed one pass, threw a pick, and was quickly replaced by Namath. The Jets had three wins going into that game, too.
Some parallels are just too on-the-nose to ignore.
For Cook, this is more than just a spot start. It’s a chance to show he belongs - to prove that despite going undrafted, despite the tough debut, he has the tools to compete at this level.
The Jets, as battered and uncertain as they are right now, are giving him that shot. And in a season where the playoffs are out of reach, finding out what you have in a young quarterback might be the most important thing left to do.
Cook’s journey from SEC standout to NFL starter in the span of a few months is the kind of underdog story that fans rally around. Now, it’s up to him to take this unexpected opportunity and run with it - or, in his case, throw with it.