It was a special NFL debut for former Miami Central running back Dalvin Cook. Cook was named to the ALL-USA First Team in his senior season for the Rockets where his younger brother James is currently reeking havoc.
He rushed for 127 yards on 22 carries, along with 10 receiving yards, in his first game for Minnesota in its 29-19 win against the New Orleans Saints.
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“I should be more surprised by that, but I’m not, probably because of how talented he is and because of what we’ve all seen from him since he got here,” Minnesota quarterback Sam Bradford told reporters.
“You can’t really say enough about him, to be able to come in and play as many snaps as he did to keep pounding and pounding and finally break a few at the end.”
It was the most rushing yards by a Vikings’ rookie in his debut ever.
The record was formerly held by Adrian Peterson — 103 yards on 19 carries — who was on the opposite sideline as a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) talks with New Orleans Saints running back Adrian Peterson (28) following the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports)
“(Peterson) told me to keep balling, man,’’ Cook told reporters.
“I just told him I’m just following in the gold footsteps. That’s what I’m doing. I’m learning, and it’s a lot to learn from him. He did great things (for the) organization.’’
It wasn’t a perfect night for Cook, who dropped three passes in the game, but it was a good starting point.
“When he gets hit… he falls forward for three, he keeps his feet moving, he drives,” Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer told reporters.
“He’s a tough, tough back. He’s a tough competitor. Typically he catches the ball. I know he dropped one or two tonight, but typically he catches the ball very well. Just keep trying to get better.”