Raiders' AJ Cole drops 4-word message after signing record-breaking $15,800,000 contract extension

AJ Cole has secured a historic deal, and he could not be happier about it. On Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders were reported to have given the two-time All-Pro a four-year, $15.8-million extension, the biggest contract for a punter in NFL history.

Cole had been scheduled to enter the final year of his contract.

After the development was announced, Cole posted a four-word comment on X.

"Raider Nation for life !!!!!," he wrote.

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Cole joined the Raiders as a free agent in 2019. He has punted 374 times for 18,193 yards, averaging 48.6 yards per punt and breaching the 20-yard marker 168 times.

AJ Cole reflects on career after historic extension

The Raiders have a rich history with punters, especially since their last Super Bowl run. Punters have become rare bright spots on squads with terrible offenses. First, it was Shane Lechler, then it was Marquette King.

But in an alternate world, AJ Cole might have been doing something else instead of displacing the underperforming Johnny Townsend.

"There was a point where I thought football might be over," he told Jordan Schultz. "After the draft, doubt started to creep in. I went into the Raiders rookie tryout thinking, ‘These might be the last three days of football I ever get.’ So I enjoyed every second—and I’ve been doing that for six years now."

Cole's backup plan in case he did not make it was to get a job with IBM in Raleigh, where he had attended college at NC State. However, he impressed Jon Gruden and was named the new punter, with Townsend being waived. Cole turned down the IBM job a week before the first game of the season.

"Being the last Oakland Raider and the first Vegas punter means a lot to me. The history at this position in this organization is unlike anything else—and the fans really get it. I love the organization, I love the fans and I love Las Vegas. I told my agents: I want to be here for a long time. I want to play until I’m 40. I want to play forever."

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The Raiders begin the 2025 season against the New England Patriots on Sept. 7. Kickoff is at 1 pm ET/10 am PT on CBS.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

Know More

Raiders Nation! Check out the latest Las Vegas Raiders Schedule and dive into the Raiders Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Andre Castillo