Cole Burgess
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Cole Burgess warms up before a preseason game against the Chicago Bears in 2024 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Burgess, a former Greenwich and Cortland State standout, was a member of the Bengals' practice squad last season. He is hoping to make the regular-season roster this year. Charles Rex Arbogast file photo, Associated Press
Playing in the NFL is a dream come true for any aspiring football player. Greenwich native Cole Burgess hopes to be able to take that next step in his second pro season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Cortland State product was signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in May 2024. Burgess didn’t make the 53-man roster, but spent the entire season on the Bengals’ practice squad. He earned valuable time playing against the Bengals’ starting defense and working with high-level talent.
“It was fun. Getting to go up against the starting defense every day at practice, we were helping them get better, but also I was getting better myself,” Burgess said. “I just gained confidence every day when I was making plays against them knowing I could play in this league.”
Cole Burgess
Burgess
Burgess re-signed with the Bengals in January on a reserve/futures contract for the 2025 season. Last season in two preseason games, Burgess made three catches for 20 yards. Cincinnati saw enough to bring him back for another season.
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“They liked how I progressed and they want to see more improvement this year. Special teams would be huge for me. I am just continuing to get bigger, faster and stronger and being a better football player,” Burgess said.
The Bengals have an impressive cast on offense with Pro Bowl wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL in Joe Burrow. Burgess has picked up a lot from that group this past year.
“It is awesome. Seeing how they operate within their day to day and the way they carry themselves. The way they go about business everyday has helped me structure my days and my routines,” Burgess said. “Joe (Burrow) he doesn’t talk too much, he is all about business, all about those details. He comes into the building and is all about getting better.”
Cole Burgess
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Cole Burgess catches a pass during training camp last year in Cincinnati. Burgess, a former Greenwich and Cortland State standout, was a member of the Bengals' practice squad last season, and hopes to stick with the regular-season roster this year. Emilee Chinn file photo, Associated Press
The second-year wide receiver is looking to make his mark wherever possible. He has started work on special teams, looking to do whatever it takes to get the call to the team roster. In college, where Burgess was a Division III national champion, he averaged 25 yards on 66 kickoff returns, with three touchdowns. He was also a record-setting receiver for the Red Dragons.
“I have been a returner since high school — I think I can make game-changing plays there,” said Burgess, a two-time all-state football and baseball player at Greenwich. “No matter where they put me, whether it’s gunner on punt or blocking on punt returns. Anywhere they need me to be an athlete and a football player, I want to be able to be that player for them. Anywhere I can be to help this team win.”
As a practice squad player, Burgess still made some exciting plays that will stick with him forever.
“The moments that stick out to me the most were when I was making plays on the scout team against the starters,” Burgess said. “I would come off the field and get high fives and have the starters tell me I did a good job. Those are the guys I am trying to be like.”
Cole Burgess
Former Greenwich and Cortland State standout Cole Burgess lines up for a play with the Cincinnati Bengals during a preseason game last year. Burgess was a member of the team's practice squad last season. Cincinnati Bengals
Heading into 2025, Burgess is looking to continue to prove himself.
“Last year, I didn’t get to play any snaps in the regular season. I was on the practice squad which I was blessed for,” he said. “This year I really want to make that jump and show them the player that I know that I am. I want to go make some plays on the biggest stage there is.”
The Bengals open their preseason schedule against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 7.
Jake Johnson is a sports reporter covering local sports. Also covers adult rec and entertainment. Follow Jake at JJohnsonPxP on Twitter.
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