View source for Jerricho Cotchery

{{short description|American football wide receiver}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
|name=Jerricho Cotchery
|image=Jerricho Cotchery Jets-Dolphin game, Nov 2009 - 086.jpg
|image_size=250
|caption=Cotchery with the New York Jets in 2009
|current_team=Carolina Panthers
|number=<!-- 89, 82 -->
|position= Assistant wide receivers coach
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1982|6|16}}
|birth_place=[[Birmingham, Alabama]]
|death_date=
|death_place=
|height_ft = 6
|height_in = 1
|weight_lbs = 205
|high_school = [[J. H. Phillips High School|Birmingham (AL) Phillips]]
|college=[[North Carolina State Wolfpack football|NC State]]
|draftyear=2004
|draftround=4
|draftpick=108
|pastteams=
*[[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2004}}–{{NFL Year|2010}})
*[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|2011}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
*[[Carolina Panthers]] ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
|pastcoaching=
* [[Carolina Panthers]] ({{NFL Year|2017}}–present)<br>Assistant wide receivers coach 
|highlights=
* 2× All-[[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] (2002, 2003)
|statlabel1=Receptions
|statvalue1=524
|statlabel2=Receiving Yards
|statvalue2=6,623
|statlabel3=Receiving Touchdowns
|statvalue3=34
|nfl=COT027891
}}
'''Jerricho Cotchery''' (born June 16, 1982) is a former [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) with the [[Carolina Panthers]], [[New York Jets]], and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] from 2004 to 2015. He played [[college football]] for [[North Carolina State Wolfpack football|North Carolina State University]].

==High school career==
Cotchery graduated from [[Birmingham City Schools|Phillips High School]] in [[Birmingham, Alabama]]. He played wide receiver and defensive back and was named to the All-State team after his junior and senior years. He lettered in football and basketball in all four years of high school. Cotchery played shooting guard on the basketball team.<ref name="Jerricho Cotchery Bio">{{cite web|title=Jerricho Cotchery Bio |url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jerricho_cotchery_103323.html |website=gopack.com/ |accessdate=October 4, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065549/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jerricho_cotchery_103323.html |archivedate= October 6, 2014 |df= }}</ref>

==College career==
Cotchery majored in [[sports management]] at [[North Carolina State University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Carolina Panthers: Jerricho Cotchery|url=http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Jerricho-Cotchery/20934e62-834f-46cc-acbd-69620a01afd6|website=panthers.com/|accessdate=October 4, 2014}}</ref>

Cotchery played 49 games at [[North Carolina State Wolfpack football|North Carolina State]]. In 2002 and 2003, he was selected to the All-[[Atlantic Coast Conference]] first-team. Cotchery's 200 career receptions and fifteen games with 100+ receiving yards broke two school records previously held by [[Torry Holt]]. Cotchery and Holt are the only two wide receivers in NC State football history to have two seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards. Cotchery also tied the school record for most consecutive games with at least one reception in thirty-nine straight games.<ref name="Jerricho Cotchery Bio"/>

Cotchery's fifteen career games of 100+ receiving yards tied him for second place in [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] history. He also ranks fourth in career receptions and career receiving yards. Cotchery and [[Peter Warrick]] are the only two receivers in ACC history with 200+ career receptions and 3,000+ career receiving yards. His 3,319 receiving yards are 33rd in NCAA history and his two hundred career receptions tie him for 42nd.<ref name="Jerricho Cotchery Bio"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right"
|-
! !! !! colspan=4 | Receiving !! colspan=4 | Rushing !! colspan=4 | Scrimmage !! colspan=4 | Punt Ret !! colspan=4 | Kickoff Ret
|-
!Year !! G !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Plays !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! TD
|-
|2000 ||10 ||6 ||75 ||12.5 ||0 ||1 ||5 ||5 ||0 ||7 ||80 ||11.4 ||0 ||1 ||17 ||17 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 
|-
|2001 ||11 ||41 ||483 ||11.8 ||4 ||6 ||57 ||9.5 ||1 ||47 ||540 ||11.5 ||5 ||10 ||100 ||10 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 
|-
|2002 ||14 ||67 ||1192 ||17.8 ||7 ||4 ||8 ||2 ||0 ||71 ||1200 ||16.9 ||7 ||20 ||109 ||5.5 ||0 ||2 ||91 ||45.5 ||1 
|-
|2003 ||13 ||86 ||1369 ||15.9 ||10 ||7 ||32 ||4.6 ||0 ||93 ||1401 ||15.1 ||10 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 
|-
!Career !!48 !!200 !!3119 !!15.6 !!21 !!18 !!102 !!5.7 !!1 !!218 !!3221 !!14.8 !!22 !!31 !!226 !!7.3 !!0 !!2 !!91 !!45.5 !!1 
|}

==Professional career==

{{nfl predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 0⅜
|       weight = 212
|         dash = 4.54
|    ten split = 1.59
| twenty split = 2.68
|      shuttle = 3.92
|   cone drill = 6.95
|     vertical = 36
|     broad ft = 10
|     broad in = 1
|        bench = 
|    wonderlic = 
|     arm span = 
|    hand span = 
|         note = All values from NFL Combine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=58471&draftyear=2004&genpos=WR|title=- , : 2004 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile|website=nfldraftscout.com}}</ref>
}}

Cotchery was selected by the [[New York Jets]] in the fourth round with the 108th overall pick in the [[2004 NFL Draft]]. He was the 16th of 33 wide receivers taken in the draft, but over his career would have more success than expected from his relatively late selection, second in receiving yards only to [[Larry Fitzgerald]] (including 16 tight ends).<ref name="pro-football-reference.com">{{cite web|title=Jerricho Cotchery NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CotcJe00.htm|website=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/|accessdate=October 4, 2014}}</ref>

===New York Jets===

====2004 season====
In 2004, Cotchery caught six passes for 60 yards in twelve games (with no starts) as the team's fifth receiver. As a kick returner, he had thirteen returns for 362 yards, 27.8 yard average, and one touchdown.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com"/>

====2005 season====
Cotchery entered the 2005 season as the [[New York Jets]] fourth string wide receiver. An injury to [[Wayne Chrebet]] caused him to be moved up the depth chart to third string. Cotchery played in sixteen games (with one start), catching nineteen passes for 251 yards with no touchdowns. He returned four kicks for 105 yards, a 26.3 yard average, and twenty-three punts for 182 yards, a 7.9 yard average.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com"/>

====2006 season====
New Jets head coach [[Eric Mangini]] called Cotchery the "most outstanding player in our offseason program"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/blog/2006/07/no_more_mr_nice_guy.html|title=NY Newsday T-Rock's take Tom Rock|publisher=|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105080142/http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/blog/2006/07/no_more_mr_nice_guy.html|archivedate=January 5, 2007|df=}}</ref> and promoted him to second starting wide receiver opposite [[Laveranues Coles]]. Cotchery started for the Jets in week 1 against the [[Tennessee Titans]]. He had six catches for 65 yards, and caught his first [[NFL]] touchdown from quarterback [[Chad Pennington]].<ref>{{cite news|title=In Return, Pennington Provides Jets’ Counterpunch|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/11/sports/football/11jets.html|work=nytimes.com|publisher=nytimes|first=Karen|last=Crouse|date=September 11, 2006}}</ref>

The next week, Cotchery had six catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, which included a career-long 71-yard catch in a 17-24 loss to the [[New England Patriots]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cotchery quite a catch for Jets|url=http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060920/SPORTS/609200353|work=recordonline.com|publisher=recordonline}}</ref> In week 4, Cotchery had another touchdown catch in a 28-31 loss to the [[Indianapolis Colts]]. In week 10, the Jets beat the Patriots at [[Gillette Stadium]] 17-14. Cotchery had six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown moving the Jets to only one game behind the Patriots for first place in the [[AFC East]].<ref>{{cite web|title=JETS: Scene and heard|url=http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061113/SPORTS/611130346|work=recordonline.com|publisher=recordonline}}</ref> In week 12, Cotchery had seven catches for 110 yards in the Jets' 26-11 win over the [[Houston Texans]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pennington gets back to high-flying ways as Jets climb above .500|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2006-11-26-jets-texans_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA|work=usatoday.com|publisher=usatoday|date=November 26, 2006}}</ref> The following week Cotchery had nine catches for 99 yards and a touchdown against the [[Green Bay Packers]] at [[Lambeau field]] as the Jets won 38-10.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jets’ Cotchery Steps Into the Spotlight|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/07/sports/football/07jets.html?fta=y|work=nytimes.com|publisher=nytimes|first=Karen|last=Crouse|date=December 7, 2006}}</ref>

The Jets' final record was 10-6.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jets punch playoff ticket with rout of Raiders|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2006-12-31-raiders-jets_x.htm|work=usatoday.com|publisher=usatoday|first=Tom|last=Pedulla|date=January 1, 2007}}</ref> They were 7-6 after week 14 but won their last three games to make the playoffs as a wildcard team.  Cotchery ended the regular season with eighty-two catches (tied for 16th in the NFL) and 961 yards (twenty-second). Cotchery had 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Jets' wildcard weekend loss to the [[New England Patriots]].

====2007 season====
Cotchery signed a multi-year extension with the Jets on March 1, 2007.<ref>{{cite news | title = Jets' Jerricho Cotchery Receives Multiyear Contract Extension | first = Erik | last = Matuszewski | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=aoL80qL2xtD8 | agency = Bloomberg | date = March 1, 2007 | accessdate = March 1, 2007}}</ref> The Jets opened the 2007 season against the [[New England Patriots]], the team that had eliminated them from the playoffs the previous year. Cotchery had six catches for 57 yards in a 14-38 Jets loss.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jets don't see loss as major setback |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/09/09/jets_dont_see_loss_as_major_setback/ |work=boston.com |publisher=boston |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053620/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/09/09/jets_dont_see_loss_as_major_setback/ |archivedate=September 21, 2013 }}</ref> After the game, a closer look at video replays found that the Patriots had been taping the New York Jets' defensive coaches' signals. Later it was called [[2007 National Football League videotaping controversy|Spygate]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Belichick apologizes for 'Videogate'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2007-09-12-belichick-apology_N.htm|work=usatoday.com|publisher=usatoday|first=Tom|last=Pedulla|date=September 14, 2007}}</ref> In week 2 against the [[Baltimore Ravens]], Cotchery had seven catches and set a new career high of 165 receiving yards in a 13-17 loss.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jets Let Late Shot at a Tie Slip Away|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/17/sports/football/17green.html?ref=raylewis|work=nytimes.com|publisher=nytimes|first=Adam|last=Himmelsbach|date=September 17, 2007}}</ref> On September 30, 2007, Cotchery had eight catches for 107 yards as the Jets lost to the [[Buffalo Bills]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Jets bemoan mistakes and missed opportunities in loss to Bills|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-10-01-2369951199_x.htm|work=usatoday.com|publisher=usatoday|first=Dennis|last=Waszak Jr|date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> Cotechery scored his first touchdown of the season in week 7 when the Jets were playing the [[Cincinnati Bengals]]  He had six catches for 60 yards in the game.

Halfway through the season, Cotchery's team stood at 1-7 and faced a quarterback controversy between [[Chad Pennington]] and [[Kellen Clemens]]. In week 11, the Jets defeated the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] who were considered a playoff contender at the time. It was the biggest win of the season for the Jets and brought their record to 2-8.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jets Show They Remember How to Win|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/19/sports/football/19jets.html|work=nytimes.com|publisher=nytimes|first=Greg|last=Bishop|date=November 19, 2007}}</ref>  Cotchery, however, only contributed one catch for 5 yards.  On Monday, November 26, 2007, Cotchery injured his right index finger during practice. The finger required surgery, but Cotchery only missed one game.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cimini|first=Rich|title=Jets lose Jerricho Cotchery to finger surgery, could miss rest of season |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-lose-jerricho-cotchery-finger-surgery-rest-season-article-1.275474|work=nydailynews.com|publisher=nydailynews|location=New York}}</ref> [[File:Cothcerynyj.jpg|thumbnail|left|Cotchery lines up for the play.]] Cotchery had six catches for 119 yards in his first game back after surgery as the Jets lost to the [[Cleveland Browns]] 24-18. In a week 16 loss to the [[Tennessee Titans]], Cotchery had eight catches for 152 yards with a touchdown, which was the only score for the Jets that day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bishop|first=Greg|title=Long Season Takes One More Stumble Toward the Finish|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/sports/football/24jets.html|work=nytimes.com|publisher=nytimes|date=December 24, 2007}}</ref>  Cotchery had eight receptions for 76 yards in the final game of the season, which resulted in an overtime win against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]]. Although Cotchery had enjoyed his best season yet, the Jets' finished with a mediocre record of 4-12, earning them last place in the AFC East. Cotchery finished the season with team highs in: receptions (82), yards (1,130), receiving touchdowns (2) and had yards-per-catch average (13.8). Former Jets head coach [[Herm Edwards]] said he regretted not playing Cotchery more while he was coaching the Jets.<ref>{{cite news | title = Jerricho Cotchery catches on after Herm Edwards' departure | first = Rich | last = Cimini | url = http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2007/12/28/2007-12-28_jerricho_cotchery_catches_on_after_herm_.html | newspaper = New York Times | date = December 28, 2007 | accessdate = September 13, 2009}}</ref>

====2008 season====
In August 2008, the Jets traded for former Packers quarterback [[Brett Favre]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets set for Brett: Packers legend headed to New York|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3522971|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> In the first game of the season against the [[Miami Dolphins]], Favre threw his first touchdown as a Jet to Cotchery, who finished the day with three receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown as the Jets won 20-14.<ref>{{cite news|title=Broadway Brett wins debut, helps Jets top Dolphins|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-09-07-1806036847_x.htm|work=USAtoday.com|publisher=USAtoday|first=Steven|last=Wine|date=September 7, 2008}}</ref> In a week 4 win over the [[Arizona Cardinals]], Favre threw for six touchdowns, including two to Cotchery, who had four catches for 67 yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Favre throws 6 TDs as Jets beat Cardinals|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/sports/american%20football/2008/09/30/176764/Favre-throws.htm|work=chinapost.com|publisher=chinapost}}</ref> In week 11, Cotchery caught five passes for 87 yards in a win over division rivals the New England Patriots moving the Jets past the Patriots into first place in the AFC East.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets outlast Patriots 34-31 in OT thriller|url=http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/11/jets_outlast_patriots_3431_in.html?category=Breaking%20News&category=Patriots|work=masslive.com|publisher=masslive}}</ref> The following week, the Jets beat the undefeated [[Tennessee Titans]] 10-0, with Cotchery catching six passes and improving the Jets record to 8-3.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brett Favre, Jets hand Titans first loss of season, 34-13|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-11-23/sports/17909819_1_eric-mangini-titans-afc-east|work=nydailynews.com|publisher=nydailynews|location=New York}}</ref> In week 15, Cotchery had a touchdown catch in a win against the [[Buffalo Bills]] snapping the Jets' two-game losing streak.<ref>{{cite news|title=Live Updates, Week 15 of the N.F.L. (Jets 31, Bills 27, final)|url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/live-updates-week-15-of-the-nfl-bills-vs-jets/|work=nytimes.com|publisher=nytimes|first=Paul|last=Myerberg|date=December 14, 2008}}</ref> The Jets were 8-3 and in first place in the AFC East. The Jets lost four out of their next five games and finished 9-7, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Cotchery ended the season with seventy-one receptions for 858 yards, an average of 12.1 yards per catch average and five touchdowns. Cotchery played and started in all sixteen games.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com"/>

====2009 season====

After the departure of Laveranues Coles to the [[Cincinnati Bengals]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3952628|title=Coles, Bengals agree to contract|author=Clayton, John|publisher=ESPN.com|date=March 4, 2009|accessdate=March 6, 2009| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090305231057/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3952628| archivedate= March 5, 2009 | deadurl= no}}</ref> Cotchery became the Jets' primary receiver. In Week 1, Cotchery had six catches for 90 yards in the Jets win over the [[Houston Texans]]. In week 3, Cotchery had eight receptions for 108 yards, as well as his first touchdown reception of the season in a win over the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets' defense holds firm in end to stop titans|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290927020|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> Cotchery finished 2009 with fifty-seven catches for 821 yards. The Jets finished the regular season with a 9-7 record and made the playoffs as a wildcard. The Jets defeated the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] in the wildcard round, with Cotchery catching six passes for 67 yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sanchez, Greene perform under pressure as Jets extend playoff run|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300109004|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=October 23, 2012}}</ref> The following week, the Jets beat the [[San Diego Chargers]] to reach the AFC Championship game against the [[Indianapolis Colts]], where the Jets lost 30-17, with Cotchery catching five passes for 100.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colts Beat Jets In AFC Championship, On Their Way To Miami For Super Bowl XLIV|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/19/1259487/jets-colts-previews-afc-championship|work=Sbnation.com|publisher=sbnation|accessdate=October 23, 2012}}</ref>

====2010 season====
On April 11, 2010, the New York Jets traded for wide receiver [[Santonio Holmes]] and in exchange gave up a fifth round pick in the [[2010 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Trade to Jets shocks banned Holmes|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5077088|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=October 23, 2012}}</ref> Cotchery was positioned as third-choice wide receiver, behind Holmes and [[Braylon Edwards]]. On November 14, 2010, he had three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown in a 26-20 overtime win over the [[Cleveland Browns]]. Cotchery hurt his groin that week and missed the following two games.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Jerricho Cotchery completed the most badass play of the year|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/16/jerricho-cotchery-completed-the-most-badass-play-of-the-year/|work=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/|publisher=Pro Tootball Talk NBC Sports}}</ref> Cotchery finished the 2010 season with forty-one catches for 433 yards with two touchdowns while playing in 14 games. He started five games, the lowest number since the 2005 season. He was released by the Jets on August 4, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jerricho Cotchery released by Jets |url=http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/6833667/new-york-jets-intend-releasing-wr-jerricho-cotchery |work= |publisher=ESPN |author=Cimini, Rich |date=August 4, 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/60hCJd6wm?url=http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/6833667/new-york-jets-intend-releasing-wr-jerricho-cotchery |archivedate=August 4, 2011 |accessdate=August 4, 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>

===Pittsburgh Steelers===

[[File:Jerricho Cotchery 89 during warmups 2013.jpg|thumb|upright|Cotchery in 2013]]
Cotchery agreed to a one-year deal with the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] on August 11, 2011, after he had met with the team at training camp the previous week.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11223/1166728-100.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | first=Gerry | last=Dulac | title=Former Jets wide receiver Cotchery signs with Steelers | date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> On April 12, 2012, he was reported to have re-signed with the Steelers for two more years, agreeing to a deal worth around $3 million.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/steelers/story/2012-04-12/Jerricho-Cotchery-re-signs/54205008/1 | work=USA Today | title=Most Popular E-mail Newsletter | date=April 12, 2012}}</ref>

Between 2011 and 2013, Cotchery appeared in 43 games for the Steelers. He recorded seventy-nine receptions for 1,044 yards and twelve touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jerricho Cotchery: Career Stats|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/jerrichocotchery/2506004/careerstats|website=nfl.com/|accessdate=October 4, 2014}}</ref>

===Carolina Panthers===

====2014 season====

On March 20, 2014, Cotchery agreed to a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10638992/carolina-panthers-add-veteran-wr-jerricho-cotchery|title=Jerricho Cotchery joins Panthers|date=March 20, 2014|work=ESPN.com|first=David|last=Newton}}</ref> He missed the week three game against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] because of a hamstring injury suffered during a practice on September 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11566519/carolina-panthers-deangelo-williams-jerricho-cotchery-inactive-vs-steelers|title=Panthers lose Williams, Cotchery vs. Steelers|publisher=}}</ref>

Through the first four weeks of the 2014 season, Cotchery had the distinction of being the only receiver in the NFL with double digit targets and to have a perfect catch rate – recording receptions on all thirteen targets thrown in his direction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/10/03/pff-preview-bears-panthers-week-5/|title=News and Analysis for NFL and Fantasy Football - Pro Football Focus|website=profootballfocus.com}}</ref>

====2015 season====
In 2015, the [[Carolina Panthers]] played in [[Super Bowl 50]], which was Cotchery's first appearance in the Super Bowl. In the game, the Panthers fell to the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] by a score of 24–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201602070den.htm|title=Super Bowl 50 - Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers - February 7th, 2016|work=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 2, 2017}}</ref> In the loss, Cotchery caught two passes for 17 yards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56834/DEN_Gamebook.pdf|title=Super Bowl 50 - National Football League Game Summary|work=NFL.com|accessdate=August 7, 2017}}</ref> but was credited with three drops, after having not dropped a pass the entire season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article59083888.html|title=Sure-handed Jerricho Cotchery has big drops for Panthers|publisher=}}</ref> His first drop was a subject of controversy. After initially having the ball bounce off his hands, Cotchery managed to grab the ball on the way to the ground, but the pass was ruled incomplete as it seemed that the ball touched the ground as he was trying to get control of it. The play was challenged, and senior official [[Mike Carey (American football)|Mike Carey]] believed it would be an easy overturn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/no-catch--panthers--first-challenge-is-upheld-on-cotchery-drop-001730545.html|title=Mike Carey wrong again?! Panthers' first challenge fails on drop|publisher=}}</ref> The ruling of an incomplete pass stood. Two plays later, the Panthers would fumble the ball and the Broncos would recover it in the endzone for a touchdown.

Cotchery's next drop came on the very next drive, on a third down play, which forced a Carolina punt on what had been a promising drive that had gotten out to midfield. His third was on a pass that was either going to be a touchdown or would set up Carolina inside the five yard line, the drive ultimately ending in a missed field goal.

At the end of the 2015 season, Cotchery did not sign with another NFL team.

==Statistics and Records==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right"
|-
! colspan=4 | !! colspan=5 | Receiving !! colspan=5 | Rushing
|-
!Year !! Tm !! G !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Long !! Rush !! Yds !! TD !! Long !! Avg
|-
|2004 ||NYJ ||12 ||0 ||6 ||60 ||10 ||0 ||18 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 
|-
|2005 ||NYJ ||16 ||1 ||19 ||251 ||13.2 ||0 ||45 ||1 ||4 ||0 ||4 ||4 
|-
|2006 ||NYJ ||16 ||16 ||82 ||961 ||11.7 ||6 ||71 ||5 ||25 ||0 ||10 ||5 
|-
|2007 ||NYJ ||15 ||15 ||82 ||1130 ||13.8 ||2 ||50 ||5 ||38 ||0 ||16 ||7.6 
|-
|2008 ||NYJ ||16 ||16 ||71 ||858 ||12.1 ||5 ||56 ||2 ||8 ||0 ||8 ||4 
|-
|2009 ||NYJ ||14 ||12 ||57 ||821 ||14.4 ||3 ||53 ||2 ||7 ||1 ||6 ||3.5 
|-
|2010 ||NYJ ||14 ||5 ||41 ||433 ||10.6 ||2 ||49 ||4 ||-3 ||0 ||4 ||-0.8 
|-
|2011 ||PIT ||13 ||0 ||16 ||237 ||14.8 ||2 ||36 ||1 ||3 ||0 ||3 ||3 
|-
|2012 ||PIT ||14 ||2 ||17 ||205 ||12.1 ||0 ||24 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 
|-
|2013 ||PIT ||16 ||6 ||46 ||602 ||13.1 ||10 ||36 ||1 ||-5 ||0 ||-5 ||-5 
|-
|2014 ||CAR ||15 ||13 ||48 ||580 ||12.1 ||1 ||47 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 
|-
|2015 ||CAR ||14 ||3 ||39 ||485 ||12.4 ||3 ||59 ||1 ||16 ||0 ||16 ||16 
|-
!Career !! 3Tm !! 175 !! 89 !! 524 !! 6,623 !!12.6 !!34 !!71 !!22 !!93 !!1 !!16 !!4.2 
|}

{{As of|2017}}'s NFL off-season, Jerricho Cotchery held at least 4 Jets franchise records, including:
* Receptions: playoffs (30)
* Yds/Rec: playoff game (25 on 2007-01-07 @NWE, tied with two others)
* Total Return Yds: playoffs (294)
* 100+ yard receiving games: playoffs (2, tied with [[Wesley Walker]])

==Coaching career==
In 2017, Cotchery joined the Carolina Panthers coaching staff as the assistant wide receiver coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Jerricho-Cotchery-named-assistant-wide-receivers-coach/5a4d07fb-9384-417f-9ed8-581c54241b63|title=Jerricho Cotchery named assistant wide receivers coach|last=Henson|first=Max|date=March 2, 2017|publisher=Carolina Panthers|accessdate=August 8, 2017}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Cotchery grew up in the Norwood neighborhood of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[Alabama]]. His father, Bob, ran a lawn care service, and his mother worked in a nursing home. He was the second youngest of thirteen children in a blended family with siblings separated in age by as much as twenty-five years. He played basketball and football at Phillips High School.<ref name="Charlotte">{{cite web|title=Carolina Panthers’ Jerricho Cotchery found strength in tragedy|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article9126530.html|website=charlotteobserver.com|publisher=Charlotte Observer|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref>  On May 30, 1998, he was in a severe car accident and still has scars on his wrists and hands. As of 2008, shards of glass continued to work their way up and out of his skin.<ref name="espn-2008-09-23"/> Cotchery was born with six fingers on his left hand; one was subsequently removed.<ref name="espn-2008-09-23">{{cite news | title = Cotchery follows a path defined by faith | first = Ben | last = Houser | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/e60/news/story?id=3602380 | newspaper = ESPN.com | date = September 23, 2008 | accessdate = September 13, 2009}}</ref>

Cotchery married his wife, Mercedes, a month after being selected by the Jets in [[2004 NFL Draft|2004]].<ref name="Family">{{Citation|title=For Jets and Family, Future Is in Cotchery’s Hands |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/sports/football/14jets.html |work=NYTimes.com |publisher=New York Times |author=Bishop, Greg |date=September 13, 2008 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5tNbVIfnx?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/sports/football/14jets.html?_r=1 |archivedate=October 10, 2010 |accessdate=October 10, 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Cotchery and Mercedes have five children. The couple adopted their daughter, Jacey, in 2007.<ref name="Family"/> and have two sons, Joshua and Nicholas. The couple adopted another girl, named Journey,<ref name="Charlotte"/> as well as a son in late 2017, Nile.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140419234406/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cotchery_jerricho01.html NC State Wolfpack bio]
* [http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Jerricho-Cotchery/20934e62-834f-46cc-acbd-69620a01afd6 Carolina Panthers bio]

{{Jets2004DraftPicks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cotchery, Jerricho}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Birmingham, Alabama]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Alabama]]
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:NC State Wolfpack football players]]
[[Category:New York Jets players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players]]
[[Category:Carolina Panthers players]]