Brandin Cooks

“I really want to make it more accessible to minorities because I think it's a whole other world out there that my community and my culture, we don't talk about. We talk about sports. We talk about certain things, but I don't really think we talk about being a pilot, and I think it can be so fulfilling.”

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

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

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

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

“It all changes when we get the pads on. That's when we see who's tough, who can take a hit, who can still be fast with that extra weight.”

“That's what it's all about, making my mom proud.”

“In Corvallis it's all about the Beavers, and I loved that.”

“If you dwell on something, all that's going to do is lead to the next play, and that's going to lead, and the next thing you know, your confidence starts to get shaken.”

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

“I was taught to do the little things right. When I got into the NFL, I knew to follow the path and just do what I needed to do.”

“Getting out in space, being elusive, that's my game.”

“I want to learn from the best, and those who are doing it at such a high level, pick their brain and see what they do differently from everyone else.”

“Definitely growing up and coming out of college, I loved Steve Smith's game - the way he's physical, how diverse he is, the way he is able to run routes and he plays with that chip on his shoulder.”

“I use my speed, my quickness, using the way I move to change direction and get those bigger corners on their heels.”

“In college the comparisons were good, but now I'm an NFL player and I've got to make my own game.”

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

“I will be the first one in my family to get a degree.”