Brian Cole II

Brian Keith Cole II (born April 3, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Mississippi State.

College career Cole grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and played three games at Michigan as a wide receiver and on special teams. He was released from the team in January 2016. Cole transferred to East Mississippi Community College and switched to defense, compiling 54 tackles, with 3 forced fumbles, 3 blocked kicks, a sack, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. He came to Mississippi State and sat out a season as an academic redshirt. During his junior season, he played five games before a torn pectoral muscle ended his season after five games As a senior in 2019, Cole tallied 67 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and one interception.

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings Cole was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round with the 249th pick of the 2020 NFL draft. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Vikings on July 27, 2020, and activated from the list on eight days later. He was waived on August 26, 2020.

Miami Dolphins On September 7, 2020, Cole was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Dolphins on January 5, 2021. He was waived on July 16, 2021.

Carolina Panthers On August 5, 2021, Cole was signed by the Carolina Panthers. He was waived on August 27, 2021.

Saskatchewan Roughriders Cole was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on February 2, 2022, but was released with the final training camp cuts on June 5, 2022.

Edmonton Elks Cole was added to the practice roster of the Edmonton Elks on June 28, 2022. However, he was released from the practice roster on July 10, 2022. He became a free agent on February 11, 2025.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats On February 11, 2025, it was announced that Cole had signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Ottawa Redblacks On February 10, 2026, it was announced that Cole had signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.