Trent Cole

Trent Cole (born October 5, 1982) is an American football defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Cincinnati.

Early years
Cole was born in Xenia, Ohio. He starred at Xenia High School, earning League and Area Defensive Player of the Year honors after posting 121 tackles and 8 sacks as a senior. He also rushed for 1,241 yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to earning all-state honors, and played in the Ohio North-South all-star game. He lettered in basketball, track and baseball as well as football.

College career
As a senior at the University of Cincinnati, Cole initially played nose tackle for the Bearcats. He was a two-time First-team All-Conference USA selection, Cole finished his career with 238 tackles, 19 sacks, 48 tackles for a loss, 4 FFs, and 2 FRs. He started every game at weakside defensive end in 2004, totalling 68 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 22 TFLs (4th in nation). Also registered a safety and 2 blocked kicks. In 2002, started 9 games at DT before moving to defensive end and posted 86 tackles, 5 sacks, and 12 tackles for a loss, en route to Conference USA defensive newcomer of the year honors.

2005
Cole was selected in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles with the draft pick acquired from the Washington Redskins for wide receiver James Thrash. He signed a 4-year contract before his rookie season.

Cole worked hard during training camp and his general athletic ability impressed many fans and people within the organization. He used this to forge a promising year, taking over the starting job at right defensive end in week 10. Cole tallied 5 sacks on the year, which was impressive considering he only started 3 games in the year. He added 26 tackles during his time as a starter to bring his total for the year to 38.

2006
With 5 sacks in his first 4 games, he was thought to start at the right end position, but with the signing of Darren Howard, Cole would only play on pass downs during the 2006 season. But this changed in week 2, two weeks after star left end Jevon Kearse went out with a fractured tibia, the Eagles announced that Cole would start for Kearse. Since then, Cole has had 1.5 sacks, 26 tackles, 18 of them solo tackles, helping the Philadelphia Eagles carry themselves to 5 straight wins and an NFC East title. Cole was First-team All-Rookie team honors by NFL.com, Pro Football Weekly after the season.

Cole signed a five-year contract extension on November 6, 2006 worth $26–28 million with a $12 million guarantee, which could keep him with the Eagles until 2013.

On December 17, 2006 against the New York Giants, Cole recorded the first interception and touchdown of his career. This interception gave the Eagles a 14 point lead with under 3 minutes left. The touchdown by Cole sealed the Eagles win 36-22. He ended the season with a career-high 8 sacks. Also led the defensive line with a career-high 84 tackles and his interception.

2007
Cole recorded 12.5 sacks in the 2007 season which broke his personal single-season record. He was the first defensive end since Clyde Simmons in 1986 to make the Pro Bowl as an Eagles draft pick. Cole is already 15th in team history in sacks. As impressive are his tackling numbers, his 70 tackles also put him first among all defensive ends in the NFC. On January 24, 2008 it was announced that he would be replacing Patrick Kerney in the 2008 Pro Bowl.

2008
In 2008 Cole led the team in hurries (22), and TFLs (9), was 2nd in sacks (9.0), and 3rd with 3 FFs while making 98 tackles (59 solo). He was named to the USA Today 2008 All-Joe Team for the 3rd consecutive season, which honors the NFL players whose work does not necessarily garner headlines, but is integral to the success of their football team.

2009
In week 15 of the 2009 NFL Season, Cole was disqualified with 8 seconds remaining in a game against the New York Giants for throwing punches at Giants' offensive lineman Shaun O'Hara. Both Cole and O'Hara were fined $15,000 by the NFL. Cole was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a reserve.

2011
In week one of the 2011 NFL season, against the St. Louis Rams, Cole had 3 tackles and 1 sack. Over the season, Cole had 44 tackles, 1 force fumble and 11 sacks.

2012
Cole signed a four-year contract extension with the Eagles worth up to $55.25 million on March 14, 2012, extending his contract through the 2017 season.

Personal
Due to his off season hobby of hunting game, Cole has been nicknamed "The Hunter." He is the cousin of Norris Cole, who currently plays guard for the Miami Heat.