AJ Cole’s Memorable 2021 Season

Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole has had a punter’s dream season. Through 10 games, Cole has been regarded as a Pro Bowl caliber punter and he has proved it game in and game out.

The Stats so Far

AJ Cole has landed inside the top 10 in every major statistical category for punters. Cole has 18 punts resulting in the opposing team being pinned inside the 20 yard line. He is tied for seventh most in this category according to Pro Football Focus. Cole’s season-long punt went for 71 yards (third longest) and he leads the league in average yards per punt with 51.5. Cole’s overall punting grade on the season is 83.3.

On top of his impressive punting statistics, Cole also has a forced fumble on the season. Yes, it’s true, the Raiders’ punter forced a fumble, and an impressive one at that.

Cole is in his third season as the Raiders’ punter. He has improved exponentially year after year. Cole’s PFF grade has increased from 58.9 in his rookie season to 83.3 this year. He is well in the running for the Pro Bowl and may be one of few Raiders representing the team at the Pro Bowl in their home city this year.

A Man of the People

Cole has left his mark on the field this season, but equally as important is the mark he has left on his teammates and Las Vegas.

Last week for NFL’s Salute to Service month, AJ Cole, TE Darren Waller and LB Cory Littleton visited Nellis Air Force Base to interact with service members and their families. They spent the afternoon playing games, signing autographs, and spending time with the people the NFL works hard to honor during the month of November.

Apart from being an exceptional player and member of the community, Cole is the teammate you picture when you imagine playing football. Cole spoke to the media last Wednesday about his forced fumble and his relationship with fellow special teamers kicker Daniel Carlson and long-snapper Trent Sieg.

“I think I got more credibility from that hit than any other play in my entire career,” Cole said about his forced fumble last week. “I think we have one of the stronger (special teams) units. Daniel is massive for a kicker; I think we would have a really good chance in an all-out special teams brawl.”