
James Cook Says He’s at Minicamp for One Simple Reason: Money!
2025-06-10
Author: Ming
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook made headlines this week as he showed up for mandatory minicamp, despite being in pursuit of a new contract.
And what’s his motivation? Cook didn’t hold back, stating at his Tuesday press conference, "I like my money, you know? Definitely do, so that’s why I’m here." This candid admission underscores the financial realities that professional athletes navigate.
Not attending minicamp would have meant potential fines for Cook, but he not only showed up; he also took to the field, participating in drills. According to Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News, Cook was involved in six snaps during intense 11-on-11 sessions.
When asked why he chose to engage actively, Cook responded, "I’m here. I’m part of the team. I’m a leader. So, just got to practice and get the job done." His commitment to the team and his role as a leader were clear.
As a second-round pick from the 2022 draft, Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which lists his base salary for the upcoming season at $5.271 million. Though he confirmed he plans to attend training camp, he left the door open about participating, depending on whether a contract extension is finalized.
Interestingly, Cook expressed no resentment regarding the Bills’ recent signings of other players to lucrative contracts this offseason. He was cheerful about their achievements, saying, "I love those guys. Whatever they got paid, they got paid. That’s not my problem. I’m happy for them, actually." His supportive attitude perhaps reflects a strong team spirit, even amid contract negotiations.
While Cook definitely wants to stay with the Bills, he tempered expectations about a speedy resolution to his contract situation, stating, "At this moment, I’m going to just keep working hard and let God take control and keep doing what I do." His focus remains on maximizing his performance and maintaining a positive mindset as he navigates these pivotal months.