Jared graduated from North Gwinnett High School in 2005 as one of the most decorated and beloved student-athletes to walk our campus. He was a two-sport star in football and basketball where he played wide receiver on the football field and forward on the hardwood. After high school, Jared attended South Carolina where he played tight end for the Gamecocks. In 2009 Cook was selected in the third round (89th overall) of the NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans. In his first seven seasons he totaled over 3500 yards and 16 touchdowns playing for the Titans (four seasons) and St. Louis Rams (three seasons). In his eigth season, Jared started at TE for the Green Bay Packers where he starred in a playoff run that ended in the NFC championship game. After Green Bay, Jared had a stint with the Raiders and another with the Saints. Jared signed a contract during the 2021 off-season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
While in the NFL, the North Gwinnett Hall of Famer has been known for giving back. In 2012 Jared received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the Tennessee Titans. During his last season with the Raiders in 2018, Jared received the Ed Block Courage Award presented to the player who exemplifies a commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage, both on and off the field. Jared continues to give back to his hometown community and our school. He stays involved with Susan G. Komen to raise money for breast cancer research, thus the connection between the Jared Cook Tip-Off Classic and Komen of Greater Atlanta.
North Gwinnett Hoops is forever grateful to Jared and the rest of the Cook family, especially his wife Lana and kids Jordyn, Phoenix, Shiloh & Cross.
Jared Cook #40 - North Gwinnett Hoops Jared Cook #84 - South Carolina
Jared Cook #87 - Pro Bowl TE w/ the Los Angeles Chargers