A video has gone viral showing the muted reaction of an NFL star’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction to the sound of hundreds of children screaming with excitement at his appearance.
A post to TikTok on Wednesday showed what occurred at a football camp held in Albany, New York by Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook.
Hundreds of kids were seen sitting on the turf before their excited shrieks popped up when Cook showed up.
However, Cook appeared to be slightly put off by the whole ordeal – with the caption of the post explaining the situation further.
‘Took my kids to the #Jamescook football camp in Albany,’ read the description from user @heather_ann2022.
‘Damn near 200 kids excited for this man who walked out 20 mins late with his head down and barely cracked a smile! Also paid for a meet and greet that did not happen!’
Parents of kids who attended the camp of Buffalo Bills running back James Cook aren’t happy
Cook was described as ‘rude’ and someone who ‘isn’t an interaction type’
Last season, Cook led the NFL in rushing touchdowns as part of a strong 2024 campaign
It appears this mother’s reaction wasn’t the only one – with some of the comments detailing similar interactions with Cook in this camp and in previous camps.
One comment read, ‘My friend took her 10 year old son to his camp on Tuesday. Her son said he was rude and acted like he didn’t even want to be there.’
That comment continued saying that at one point, Cook ‘told one child he was “asking too many questions.” Not cool… Bills players are always great with kids! James Cook you should be ashamed of yourself. As a long time Bills fan I am so disappointed in him and his behavior!!’
Another mom added her experience from one of Cook’s camps in the past: ‘Yeah took my son last year and never again. He was rude no enthusiasm. We skipped this year. If ever the opportunity Tyreek Hill is a totally different experience! He’s very involved, enthusiastic and even includes parents. Worth the $.’
‘We were just at the Rochester one yesterday,’ said another upstate New York mother. ‘He walked out the same at [that] but we were told he is not a talker. He isn’t an interaction type. He was smiling with the boys playing football but not very “let’s do this.”‘
Cook is entering his fourth season in the league after being picked in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia.
After spending his rookie season second on the depth chart, he rushed for over 1,100 yards in his second year. Last season, he led the league in rushing touchdowns with 16 and totaled 1,009 yards on the ground.
