Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
James Cook III is an American professional football player who plays as a running back for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 25, 1999, in Miami, Florida, Cook comes from a large, sports-oriented family that has played an important role in his football career.
His full name is James Dalvin Cook, and he is the younger brother of former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Their parents are Varondria Burnett White and the late James Cook Sr. James also has several other siblings, including professional basketball player DeAndre Burnett.
Beyond football, Cook is a father of at least two children and has been romantically linked to Bella Cvetanovski, a dancer and former Detroit Lions cheerleading captain.
James Cook III’s Girlfriend: Is He Married or Dating?
James Cook III has been publicly linked to Bella Cvetanovski, an American dancer, cheerleader and social media personality.
The couple attracted public attention in 2024 when Cook reportedly shared photographs of them together on Instagram and expressed his appreciation for Bella’s support.
Entertainment reporting published in November 2025 identified Cvetanovski as Cook’s girlfriend. However, Cook has generally maintained a relatively private personal life, and there has been no widely verified announcement of their marriage.
Although they have appeared in public social media content, details about when their relationship began have not been extensively documented.
Who Is Bella Cvetanovski?
Bella Cvetanovski is an American professional dancer, cheerleader and social media personality originally from Michigan.
She attended the University of Cincinnati before transferring to Oakland University, where she studied public relations and advertising.
Bella previously worked as a dancer for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
She subsequently joined the Detroit Lions cheerleading organization and was identified as a captain of the squad in 2025.
Outside professional cheerleading, Cvetanovski has shared social media content related to fitness, nutrition, dancing and her personal lifestyle.
While Bella has received attention because of her connection with James Cook, she has also developed her own professional identity through dance and entertainment.
James Cook III’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes, James Cook III is a father of at least two children, including a son and a daughter.
Although Cook generally keeps his children away from extensive media attention, their existence has been confirmed through news reporting and his own public comments.
James Cook III’s Son
James Cook has a son who was born before his father entered the NFL in 2022.
When the Buffalo Bills selected Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Star Tribune reported that he celebrated the occasion in Miami surrounded by family members, including his young son.
Additional reporting in September 2023 described Cook as already having a young son when he welcomed another child.
The boy’s name and exact birth date have not been reliably established through major public sources.
James Cook III’s Daughter
James Cook welcomed a daughter in September 2023.
On September 21, 2023, Cook missed a Buffalo Bills practice because of the birth of his child.
His then-teammate Stefon Diggs publicly congratulated him, while subsequent reporting confirmed that the newborn was a girl.
In January 2024, the Buffalo Bills published a feature discussing Cook’s family-oriented personality and his enjoyment of spending time with his daughter.
Her name has not been reliably disclosed in widely available reporting.
James Cook’s Life as a Father
Fatherhood is an important part of James Cook’s life away from football.
During the Buffalo Bills’ June 2026 minicamp, Cook explained that he had spent time in Miami rather than attending voluntary team workouts because he wanted to be with his children.
He said that his children live in Miami and that spending time with them was a major reason for remaining in South Florida during the offseason.
His comments reinforced the importance he places on maintaining close family relationships while pursuing his NFL career.
James Cook III’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
James Cook III was born to James Cook Sr. and Varondria Burnett, who is also known as Varondria White.
He grew up in Miami, Florida, alongside his siblings in a family with strong connections to football and basketball.
Although his parents separated, both remained important figures in the lives of their children.
James Cook III’s Father: James Cook Sr.
James Cook Sr. was the father of Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and former NFL star Dalvin Cook.
He was a businessman who operated a mobile car wash service in Miami, Florida.
Beyond his business activities, he enjoyed fishing, cooking and spending time with his children.
His interest in sports helped shape the athletic development of his sons, particularly Dalvin and James, who both pursued careers in professional football.
Unfortunately, James Cook Sr. died on December 29, 2020, at the age of 46 due to complications associated with diabetes.
His death deeply affected the family. Dalvin Cook subsequently spoke about taking on additional responsibilities and helping support his younger siblings and grandmother.
The Cook brothers have continued honoring their father’s memory through their football careers.
James Cook III’s Mother: Varondria Burnett White
Varondria Burnett White is James Cook III’s mother and one of the most important people in his life.
She raised her children in the Miami area and supported their athletic ambitions from an early age.
Varondria has attended football games involving both James and Dalvin and has publicly expressed pride in their NFL accomplishments.
One memorable moment came in November 2022 when James Cook and Dalvin Cook faced each other in an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings.
Their mother celebrated the occasion with special clothing featuring both sons, demonstrating her support for each player.
She experienced another family football matchup when Dalvin joined the New York Jets in 2023.
Varondria has also given interviews discussing her sons’ childhood experiences and the emotional significance of seeing them succeed at the professional level.
Her continued involvement reflects the family’s close connection despite the demands of professional sports.
James Cook III’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
James Cook III comes from a large family with six known siblings, including a paternal half-brother.
His siblings are Dalvin Cook, DeAndre Burnett, Demarcus Cook, Daneshia Cook, Jameisha Cook and Jamiya Cook.
1. Dalvin Cook – Older Brother
Dalvin Cook is James Cook III’s older brother and the most widely recognized member of the family besides James himself.
Born on August 10, 1995, in Miami, Florida, Dalvin became a standout running back at Florida State University.
He entered the NFL after the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
During his professional career, Dalvin earned four Pro Bowl selections and established himself as one of the league’s prominent running backs.
He also played for the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys.
James has repeatedly credited Dalvin with helping him prepare for professional football.
The brothers trained together during their younger years and maintained regular communication after both reached the NFL.
Their football achievements represent one of the most notable sibling stories in the Cook family.
2. DeAndre Burnett – Older Brother
DeAndre Burnett is James Cook’s older brother and a former professional basketball player.
Born in January 1994, DeAndre developed an interest in sports while growing up in Miami.
He played college basketball at the University of Miami and the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss.
After college, Burnett continued his basketball career professionally overseas.
DeAndre also played football during his younger years before concentrating on basketball.
His athletic achievements provided an early example for his younger brothers, Dalvin and James.
3. Demarcus Cook – Half-Brother
Demarcus Cook is James Cook III’s paternal half-brother.
He is a son of the late James Cook Sr. from another relationship.
Unlike Dalvin and James, Demarcus has maintained a comparatively private life, and detailed information about his professional activities is not widely available.
4. Daneshia Cook – Sister
Daneshia Cook, whose name is also written as Daneisha in some reports, is one of James Cook’s sisters.
She grew up as part of the Cook family in South Florida.
Although her brothers have received national attention through their sporting careers, Daneshia has generally maintained a private life.
Reliable public information about her occupation and personal relationships is limited.
5. Jameisha Cook – Sister
Jameisha Cook is another sister of James Cook III.
She is one of the children of James Cook Sr. and Varondria Burnett.
Jameisha has remained largely outside public media coverage, and detailed information about her career or relationship status has not been widely verified.
6. Jamiya Cook – Sister
Jamiya Cook is also James Cook’s sister and a member of the large Cook family.
She shares the same parents as James, Dalvin and several of their other siblings.
Like her sisters, Jamiya has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Her professional activities and other personal details are not extensively documented in reliable public sources.
James Cook III’s Grandmother: Betty Cook
Another important figure in James Cook’s family is his paternal grandmother, Betty Cook, affectionately known as Miss Betty.
Betty has been closely involved in the lives of her grandchildren, particularly Dalvin and James.
She became known for attending football games and supporting family members throughout their athletic development.
Following the death of James Cook Sr., Dalvin helped his grandmother move into a new home in Miami Gardens, Florida.
When James was drafted into the NFL in 2022, Betty expressed her excitement about seeing two of her grandsons playing professional football.
James Cook III’s Family Background and Childhood
James Cook grew up in Miami, Florida, surrounded by relatives with strong sporting interests.
He developed a passion for football partly through watching his older brothers compete.
During high school, James attended Miami Central before transferring to Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
He later joined the University of Georgia, where he played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Cook helped Georgia win the College Football Playoff National Championship for the 2021 season.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round with the 63rd overall pick.
He subsequently developed into a leading running back for Buffalo, receiving multiple Pro Bowl selections and winning the NFL rushing title for the 2025 season.
Despite his professional achievements, Cook has continued emphasizing his responsibilities to his children and extended family.
Frequently Asked Questions About James Cook III’s Family
Who is James Cook III’s girlfriend?
James Cook III has been publicly linked to Bella Cvetanovski, a professional dancer and former Detroit Lions cheerleading captain. Their relationship was reported in 2025.
Is James Cook III married?
There is no widely verified public announcement confirming that James Cook III is married.
Does James Cook III have children?
Yes. James Cook has at least two children, including a son who was born before the 2022 NFL Draft and a daughter born in September 2023.
Who is James Cook III’s father?
His father was James Cook Sr., a Miami businessman who died on December 29, 2020, from complications associated with diabetes.
Who is James Cook III’s mother?
His mother is Varondria Burnett White, who has publicly supported the football careers of James and his older brother Dalvin.
Is James Cook III related to Dalvin Cook?
Yes. James Cook III and Dalvin Cook are brothers. Dalvin is the older sibling and played in the NFL before James joined the Buffalo Bills.
How many siblings does James Cook III have?
James Cook III has six known siblings, including his paternal half-brother Demarcus Cook.
Who are James Cook III’s brothers?
His brothers are Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Burnett. He also has a paternal half-brother, Demarcus Cook.
Who are James Cook III’s sisters?
His sisters are Daneshia Cook, Jameisha Cook and Jamiya Cook.
Where did James Cook III grow up?
James Cook grew up in Miami, Florida, where he developed his football skills before attending the University of Georgia.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
