The Georgia Bulldogs are widely regarded as one of the best colleges to produce NFL running backs. With guys coming through the league more recently like Nick Chubb and Todd Gurley, talent does not lack at that position in Athens.
However, it is one of the members of the 2021 National Championship team that has found the most success recently, James Cook. In fact, Cook led the NFL in rushing yards in 2025 with 1,621 yards.
In an offense that focuses on an air raid attack with Josh Allen, this is insanely impressive. However, what is even more impressive than that is how rare it is for a Georgia player to take home this title.
James Cook joins exclusive Georgia club
Including Cook, there are only three Georgia runningbacks all-time who have taken home the rushing title in the NFL. The last guy to do that was neary 30 years ago when Terrell Davis did it in 1998 on the way to an NFL MVP award. The other guy? The best running back arguably in college football history, Herschel Walker.
In his time in Dallas, Walker led the NFL in rushing yards in 1988. Cook actually outran Walker as he ran for 1,514 that season, but nobody could beat what Davis did in his MVP season as he ran for over 2,000 yards.
Regardless, Cook ran for more yards throughout the NFL season than many who have dawned the red and black. Not only that, he did it in an air raid offense.
Even though he has not gotten the respect he deserves when it comes to Georgia alumni, Cook is making a serious name for himself in Buffalo. He very well could be the next Bulldog to win an NFL MVP. Other than Matthew Stafford, he definitely has the best opportunity to do so.
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