Dalvin Cook’s First Pro Bowl ‘Bittersweet’ After Breakout Year

ORLANDO, FL – Critics of his game have never doubted Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook’s ability, but rather his durability and whether he could withstand the grind of an NFL season. This year, Cook proved his critics wrong as he played in 14 of the team’s games this season while earning his first Pro Bowl appearance this year in Orlando.

In his third season, Cook had more than doubled his career total in yards and tripled his touchdown output as he rushed for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns on 250 carries this year. He added 53 receptions out of the backfield for 519 yards.

“Seeing what you’ve accomplished all year and then the rewards behind it is a great feeling,” Cook said after participating in a Pro Bowl practice last week at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando. “This is one of the rewards of having a good season.”

The 24-year-old running back, who is a native of Florida and played college football for Florida State cherished his return to his home state and said it was ‘a lot of fun’ to be around family the week leading up the Pro Bowl. He played high school football for Miami Central (West Little River, FL), which is a short three-hour drive from Orlando.

Cook rebounded from a promising rookie season in 2017 that ended prematurely with a torn ACL and a ‘frustrating’ 2018 campaign that was hindered by lingering hamstring issues.

“I never get discouraged, but it can challenge you mentally,” Cook explained. “It pushed me and got me better to become the player that I am today.”

As good of a player as he was in 2019, he has plans to build on that success next year through the offseason.

“I want to get mentally better,” Cook said. “Knowing the game inside and out. I plan on getting around some guys that know this game. Getting bigger, faster and stronger.”

“I know I’ve got more in me and I can do more, so that’s the game plan this offseason.”

That drive is fueled by the shortcomings in their past two playoffs. Most recently, the NFC Conference Champion San Francisco 49ers defeated the Vikings 27-10 in the Divisional Round. Their offense was stymied by the relentless pressure of the 49ers defense.

“You want to win the Super Bowl,” Cook said with conviction. “Coming one or two games short of that is a bittersweet ending. That’s going to drive me this offseason.”

The Vikings are one of 12 franchises that have never won a Super Bowl in their history despite four appearances.

“We’ve been in the playoffs and we know what those games are like,” Cook explained. “We just have to lock in and take care of business during the regular season.”

Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and figures to sign a lucrative deal for his next one so long as he stays healthy next year. However, he’s expressed a strong interest in remaining with Minnesota.

“I love the organization. The took a chance (by drafting me),” Cook said. “If a person believes in me, I’ll give them my all and I’m just happy that I’m with the Vikings. It’s a great organization and I think everything we’ve got going is for the future.”

Undoubtedly, the Vikings will look to keep as many pieces in place that have provided them success over the past few seasons as they seek their first Super Bowl title. Cook is one of those pieces that drives Minnesota’s offense. As the Vikings have most of the core of their team returning in 2020, look for them to be in the mix with some of the league’s best teams next year.