Brandin Cooks

In college I did theater for my first two years. It was plays, as if it was Broadway, not movies or anything like that, but more theatrical.

I don't believe in revenge.

I learned from my mistakes, so I'm glad I'm able to just share them with my guys.

I know I had stuff to work on. But at the end of the day, I knew I could play this game at the highest level.

There was not one doubt in my mind that I can play this game at a high level and be one of the best receivers out there.

I know I'm going to do it better than those guys considered top-five, top-10 picks.

Me, not being very big, what was going to separate me from other receivers is route-running ability.

My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 144:6.

The accolades, as far as Pro Bowls and those things, man, I don't do this for the fame.

I let my playing talk for itself and all those other things that comes with it. If you don't, so be it. But I like to think you put my numbers up with anyone else and they're right there with them.

I think I'm just fortunate enough to be able to play with so many great organizations and make an impact in this league everywhere I've been.

I mean, there's a reason why former teams have tried to come back and trade for me.

We don't play to lose, at least from a player's standpoint.

For me, my faith is my foundation.

Our neighbor is someone that may not look like us, talk like us, dress like us, or whatever the case may be, we were called to love, and God will take care of everything else.

Christ is, I truly mean it when I say it, everything I have, everything I've been blessed with, even from the good to the not so good.

Being from Stockton, wouldn't change it for the world, love the place with all my heart.

I think it's always important that you give back, but especially to the community that had an impact on you, you grew up in.

With the way I take care of my body, there's no slowing down any time.

To be more familiar with coverages is an important part of your game that you need to have.

As a receiver, to be able to have good footwork is an important part of your game.

I do a lot of cone drills for my feet.

I eat quinoa instead of rice. I eat elk. And some duck.

The goal is to win.

When you visualize something, it comes true. You speak it into existence.

I would get jealous of other kids with dads: 'What would it be like if I had a dad? How good could I be? Would our family be better?' I used to get mad that we couldn't do stuff - go shopping, go out to restaurants, go on vacations.

I think at the end of the day, when you talk about going across the middle, it's just a mindset. And trust between quarterback and receiver.

I admire those who have played their whole career for the same team, that's just not my journey.

Some things better late than never, right?

I'm from California so, I always like to think that the weather in California is the best.

I'm completely confident in my abilities and there's no question about it.

I have a ton of respect for Coach Payton. He went to bat for me to draft me, and I could never forget that. He gave me the opportunity and helped me grow as a player. There is no bad blood whatsoever.

You probably can count on one hand the receivers who were considered great or went to the Hall of Fame who only took the top off.

I work to be more than just a deep threat.

You aren't going to get all the balls in practice, but I think about it this way: If I run 50 routes, I like to think I catch 50 balls.

The second I learned what college football was, what the NFL was, I said, 'I want to do that.'

In Corvallis, you're here to take care of business.

Now that's what real football is all about - helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, you name it.

I mean quote-unquote 'always being the small guy' has been fun for me because it's a challenge and I love challenges.

I've followed Tom Brady since I was a kid, so to be able to have a chance to play with him is awesome.

To come into the league right away and play with a Hall of Fame quarterback, that alone is going to boost your career right away.

Things just happen in life.

I lost my father when I was young.

As far as myself, just come in and be who I am, do what I have to do, and I'm pretty sure that will be enough.

As a receiver, you'd like to have one set quarterback.

You go out there, you give it your all, and let the chips fall where they fall.

Honestly, I have a lot of fun during the game. It may look like I flip a switch, but my teammates know, even when I'm laughing, I'm taking it seriously. I have my zone that I get in.

We just gotta continue to be that example on how to love, even in the most uncomfortable moments.

Sometimes we forget how important rest is and how important God makes the art of resting.