Cole Holcomb is a linebacker with the Washington Commanders of the National Football League. He was drafted by Washington, back when they were the Redskins, in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft from North Carolina, where he played NCAA football.
In his first season as a walk-on, Holcomb played in all 14 games, largely on special teams. Over the ensuing three seasons, he participated in 35 games as he established himself as the starting middle linebacker. As he progressed and finally obtained a scholarship, his playing time rose.
The Washington Redskins drafted Holcomb in the fifth round (173rd overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. On May 9, 2019, he executed a four-year rookie deal.
Holcomb forced wide receiver Stefon Diggs to fumble in the Minnesota Vikings’ 19-9 loss in Week 8; Ryan Anderson picked up the ball. In the 19-16 victory over the Detroit Lions in week 12, Holcomb had a team-high 13 tackles, including one sack of Jeff Driskel.
In Week 5 of the 2021 campaign against the New Orleans Saints, Holcomb successfully intercepted Jameis Winston. In Week 14, he recorded eight stops, picked off Dak Prescott, and returned the interception 31 yards for his first touchdown of the season in a defeat to the Dallas Cowboys of 27-20.
He participated in the NFL season as an inside linebacker. He was forced to miss the Cowboys’ Week 16 game after being added to the COVID-19 reserve list on December 22, 2021. On December 27, he was promoted back to the active roster.
Meet Beth and Jack Holcomb
Cole was born on July 30, 1996, to parents Jack and Beth in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in the United States. He is quite close to his parents, who are also very encouraging of him.
He has a sister named Jordan and they are very close, so they frequently go to the stadium to watch his games. He is not the only child in the family.
Jack, Cole’s father served in the Navy during his early 20s, working as a cook on the USS Opportune, an old salvage, and rescue ship.