Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Cole Bishop is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 24, 2002, in Massachusetts, Bishop grew up in Georgia and played college football at the University of Utah before being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Beyond his professional football career, Bishop comes from a supportive family that has played an important role in his athletic and academic development. His parents, Richard Bishop and Vicki Bishop, encouraged him to pursue football while emphasizing the importance of education and personal responsibility.
His immediate family also includes his brother, Jake Bishop, who graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in industrial engineering.
Although his parents and brother have been identified in official NFL and college football biographies, details about Bishop’s girlfriend, marital status and children remain largely private.
Cole Bishop’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Cole Bishop has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner in reliable NFL reporting.
Despite becoming a recognizable player for the Buffalo Bills, Bishop has generally maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships.
His official Buffalo Bills biography and University of Utah player profile primarily discuss his football accomplishments, parents, brother, education and personal interests rather than his dating life.
Similarly, interviews conducted during his college career and following his selection in the NFL Draft have focused on his upbringing, athletic development and transition to professional football.
No reliable public announcement reviewed establishes the identity of a current girlfriend or fiancée.
Consequently, Bishop’s relationship status remains unconfirmed. The absence of a publicly identified girlfriend does not necessarily mean that he is single.
Is Cole Bishop Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Cole Bishop is married.
Neither his official NFL biography nor established sports reporting documents a wedding or identifies a wife.
Although some unofficial biographical websites have speculated about his personal relationships, their claims have not been sufficiently corroborated by authoritative sources.
Therefore, identifying a particular woman as Bishop’s wife would be speculative without additional verification.
Cole Bishop’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Cole Bishop has no publicly confirmed children.
His official Buffalo Bills and University of Utah biographies do not identify him as the father of a son or daughter.
Additionally, reliable sports reporting has not established that Bishop has publicly announced the birth of a child.
An unverified online report has circulated a claim about Bishop and a girlfriend expecting a baby. However, the claim has not been independently corroborated by the Buffalo Bills, the player or established news organizations.
Consequently, it should not be presented as confirmed information about his family.
The available evidence does not establish whether Bishop has children privately; it establishes only that no children have been reliably documented in public sources.
Cole Bishop’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Cole Bishop was born to Richard Bishop and Vicki Bishop.
Their names are confirmed in his official University of Utah football biography and the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 media guide.
His parents raised him in a sports-loving household and encouraged him to develop both his athletic abilities and academic interests.
Although the family moved from Massachusetts to Georgia during Cole’s early childhood, they maintained strong connections to Boston-area professional sports teams.
Cole Bishop’s Father: Richard Bishop
Richard Bishop is Cole Bishop’s father and one of the most influential people in his football development.
His identity is confirmed in the University of Utah’s official player biography, which lists Richard and Vicki Bishop as Cole’s parents.
In a detailed interview with motivational speaker Dan Clark, Bishop discussed his father’s role in his childhood.
He explained that Richard did not play football competitively but was an enthusiastic football fan.
His father encouraged him to participate in the sport from an early age and regularly challenged him to work on improving his skills.
According to Bishop, Richard sometimes encouraged him to complete additional training exercises outside organized football practices.
During childhood and high school, Cole occasionally found these extra responsibilities frustrating.
However, he later acknowledged that his father’s encouragement helped him develop into a more disciplined and technically skilled player.
Those additional training sessions contributed to the work ethic he carried into college football and eventually the NFL.
Richard Bishop’s Influence on His Son’s Football Career
Richard’s involvement in Cole’s football development extended beyond encouraging him to practice.
He also helped create an environment in which sports were an important part of family life.
Although Cole grew up in Georgia, the family maintained its loyalty to professional sports teams from Massachusetts.
During his interview with Dan Clark, Bishop explained that his family supported the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins.
This connection was particularly memorable during Super Bowl LI in February 2017.
The Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons after overcoming a 28-3 deficit, an outcome that Bishop enjoyed because many of his school friends supported Atlanta.
Growing up among Falcons supporters while remaining loyal to New England gave Cole an unusual sporting experience in Georgia.
His father’s enthusiasm for football helped strengthen Cole’s interest in the game and contributed to his decision to pursue it seriously.
Cole Bishop’s Mother: Vicki Bishop
Vicki Bishop is Cole Bishop’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed in the University of Utah’s official football records and the Buffalo Bills’ player media guide.
Vicki played an important role in encouraging her son’s academic and athletic development.
In his interview with Dan Clark, Cole explained that both parents emphasized the importance of receiving a good education.
They encouraged him to maintain strong grades and consider academic opportunities when choosing a university.
This approach influenced his early college recruitment, particularly his initial commitment to Duke University.
Bishop explained that Duke’s academic reputation was one of the reasons he originally considered attending the institution.
Although he ultimately chose Utah, his parents’ emphasis on education remained an important part of his development as a student-athlete.
Further information about Vicki’s occupation and personal background has not been reliably established in authoritative public reporting.
Richard and Vicki Bishop Celebrate Their Son’s NFL Draft
One of the most memorable public family moments involving Richard and Vicki Bishop occurred during the 2024 NFL Draft.
On April 26, 2024, the Buffalo Bills selected Cole Bishop with the 60th overall pick in the second round.
The selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood dream and an important milestone for his family.
According to an April 2026 Buffalo Bills feature revisiting players’ draft experiences, Bishop and his relatives rented a lake house to celebrate the occasion.
The family spent the first round enjoying time together before becoming more nervous during the second day.
When Buffalo selected Bishop, the family celebrated the achievement together.
The following day, Cole traveled to Buffalo for his official introduction to the organization.
Richard and Vicki accompanied their son on the visit, allowing them to share another important moment in his professional career.
During his introductory press conference, Bishop expressed appreciation for having his parents alongside him when he first visited Highmark Stadium.
He described seeing his name displayed inside the stadium as a special experience for the entire family.
Cole Bishop’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Cole Bishop has one brother named Jake Bishop.
The University of Utah and the Buffalo Bills confirm that Jake is Cole’s only publicly documented sibling.
Unlike Cole, who pursued competitive football, Jake concentrated on academic studies and earned a degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jake Bishop – Cole Bishop’s Brother
Jake Bishop is the brother of Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop.
His name appears in Cole’s official University of Utah football biography and the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 media guide.
During an interview with Dan Clark, Cole explained that Jake attended Georgia Tech and graduated with a degree in industrial engineering.
He also revealed that his brother did not play college football.
Instead, Jake focused on academic achievement and establishing a career outside professional athletics.
Cole described his brother as academically talented and acknowledged that Jake’s achievements influenced his own attitude toward education.
According to Bishop, his parents frequently encouraged him to follow Jake’s example by taking school seriously.
Although the brothers pursued different interests, their family valued both academic and athletic achievement.
Additional information about Jake’s current occupation, age and personal life has not been reliably established in the public sources reviewed.
How Jake Bishop Influenced His Brother
Jake’s educational accomplishments helped reinforce the importance of academic preparation within the Bishop family.
During his interview, Cole recalled maintaining mostly A and B grades during high school.
He understood that football careers can be unpredictable and that a university education could provide opportunities beyond professional sports.
His brother’s experience at Georgia Tech demonstrated the value of pursuing a demanding academic program.
That example contributed to Cole’s decision to consider universities offering both competitive football and strong educational opportunities.
Although Cole eventually became an NFL player, he continued emphasizing the importance of education throughout his college career.
Cole Bishop’s Family Background and Early Life
Cole Bishop was born on October 24, 2002, in Massachusetts, in the Boston metropolitan area.
According to his interview with Dan Clark, his family lived in Massachusetts until he was approximately two years old.
They subsequently moved to Georgia, where Bishop spent most of his childhood.
Growing up in Peachtree City, he developed an interest in football at approximately five years old.
His father encouraged him to pursue the sport, while his family emphasized education and personal responsibility.
Although football became his primary interest, Bishop also participated in lacrosse.
He explained that lacrosse provided an opportunity to remain active after football season and improve his conditioning.
The sport also helped develop his coordination and competitiveness.
His childhood in Georgia eventually led him to Starr’s Mill High School, where he established himself as an outstanding defensive football player.
Cole Bishop’s High School Football Career
Cole Bishop attended Starr’s Mill High School in Fayetteville, Georgia.
During his high school career, he developed into one of the area’s leading defensive players.
He played safety and demonstrated strong tackling ability, athleticism and awareness in pass coverage.
According to the University of Utah’s official biography, Bishop recorded 101 tackles, nine pass breakups and five interceptions during his junior season.
His performances earned first-team All-State recognition and additional regional honors.
He also competed in lacrosse, demonstrating his athletic versatility.
As his high school career progressed, Bishop attracted scholarship offers from several major college football programs.
He initially committed to Duke University, partly because of its strong academic reputation.
However, he reconsidered his decision after developing a relationship with Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley.
On October 31, 2020, Bishop announced his commitment to the University of Utah.
In his announcement, he thanked his parents, coaches and teammates for supporting him throughout the recruitment process.
Cole Bishop’s College Football Career at Utah
Cole Bishop joined the University of Utah football program in 2021.
He made an immediate impact during his freshman season, appearing in 10 games and starting the final six contests.
He finished the season with 54 tackles and three sacks, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 recognition.
During the 2022 season, Bishop became an established starter and led Utah with 83 tackles.
He also recorded an interception and continued demonstrating his ability to contribute against both rushing and passing offenses.
In 2023, he recorded 60 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 11 games.
His performances earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors and recognition as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s outstanding defensive back.
Bishop completed his college career with 197 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three interceptions.
He also studied communication, continuing the academic development his parents had encouraged throughout childhood.
Cole Bishop’s NFL Career With the Buffalo Bills
On April 26, 2024, the Buffalo Bills selected Cole Bishop with the 60th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
He became the second University of Utah player drafted by Buffalo in consecutive years, following tight end Dalton Kincaid in 2023.
Bishop signed his rookie contract on June 4, 2024, and joined the Bills wearing jersey No. 24.
He made his NFL debut against the Miami Dolphins on September 12, 2024, and earned his first career start against the Houston Texans in October.
During his rookie season, he contributed on defense and special teams while learning from experienced defensive backs.
His responsibilities increased during the 2025 season, when he became a full-time starting safety.
According to the Bills’ official statistics, Bishop recorded three interceptions, two sacks and seven passes defended during the 2025 regular season.
His performances established him as an important part of Buffalo’s defensive secondary.
He continued representing the Bills in 2026, building on the foundation established during his college career at Utah.
Cole Bishop’s Family and Love for New England Sports
One distinctive aspect of Cole Bishop’s upbringing is his family’s connection to professional sports teams from New England.
Although he spent most of his childhood in Georgia, Bishop explained that his parents’ Massachusetts background influenced the teams he supported.
He grew up cheering for the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins.
His enthusiasm for the Patriots was especially noticeable because many of his school friends supported the Atlanta Falcons.
That contrast created playful rivalries throughout his childhood.
Interestingly, Bishop eventually joined the Buffalo Bills, one of New England’s longtime AFC East rivals.
During a December 2024 interview with One Bills Live, he discussed how his family had embraced the Bills and their passionate fan base.
His family’s support for Buffalo demonstrated their enthusiasm for following his professional career, regardless of their previous sporting loyalties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cole Bishop’s Family
Who is Cole Bishop’s girlfriend?
Cole Bishop has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner in reliable sports reporting.
Is Cole Bishop married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Cole Bishop is married or has a wife.
Does Cole Bishop have children?
Cole Bishop has no publicly confirmed children. Unverified online claims about an expected baby have not been independently corroborated by authoritative sources.
Who are Cole Bishop’s parents?
His parents are Richard Bishop and Vicki Bishop, whose names are confirmed by the University of Utah and Buffalo Bills.
Who is Cole Bishop’s father?
Cole Bishop’s father is Richard Bishop, a football enthusiast who encouraged his son’s athletic development and additional training from childhood.
Who is Cole Bishop’s mother?
His mother is Vicki Bishop, who helped emphasize the importance of academic achievement alongside his football development.
Does Cole Bishop have siblings?
Yes. Cole Bishop has one brother named Jake Bishop, according to official football biographies.
Who is Cole Bishop’s brother?
His brother is Jake Bishop, who graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in industrial engineering.
Did Cole Bishop’s brother play football?
No. Cole explained during an interview with Dan Clark that Jake did not play college football and instead concentrated on his academic studies.
Where is Cole Bishop’s family from?
Cole Bishop was born in Massachusetts, where his family lived during his early childhood. They moved to Georgia when he was approximately two years old.
What NFL team did Cole Bishop support growing up?
Cole Bishop grew up supporting the New England Patriots because his family maintained strong sporting connections to Massachusetts.
Did Cole Bishop’s parents attend his NFL Draft celebration?
Yes. Bishop celebrated his selection with family members in April 2024, and his parents accompanied him when he visited the Buffalo Bills’ facilities after the draft.
When was Cole Bishop drafted into the NFL?
Cole Bishop was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 60th overall pick.
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.
