Colin Cole (American football)

Colin Anthony Cole (born June 24, 1980) is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a part of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Iowa.

Cole has also played for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

Early years
Born in Toronto, Canada, Cole moved to Florida at the age of 5. He attended South Plantation High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling. He was named second-team all-state in football, and won the state wrestling title as a senior defeating John Ufferfilge in the state finals. And on Friday, October 24, 2008 his football jersey number (number 34) was officially retired at South Plantation High School, only the second number in school history to be retired besides All-Pro Linebacker, Bobby Michelin.

College career
Cole went to the University of Iowa on a football scholarship.

Green Bay Packers
Upon graduation Cole played on the practice squad of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings before being signed to the active roster by the Packers.

The Packers extended a second-round ($1.417 million) tender to Cole a restricted free agent. Cole needed this higher tender because he was originally undrafted.

Cole was re-signed by the Green Bay Packers on April 17, 2008.

Cole became an Unrestricted Free Agent on February 27, 2009.

Seattle Seahawks
Cole was signed by the Seattle Seahawks on March 1, 2009; his five-year contract is worth $21.4 million, including $6 million in guaranteed money. Colin Cole will start at Defensive Tackle for the Seahawks.