Matt Cole was one of the more intriguing signings of the 2023-2024 off-season, as the Wrocław Panthers brought in a speedy receiver with an impressive pro-football resume. 

NCAA D2 Standout

Cole, a Chicago native, played his college football at Mckendree University, a division two college in Illinois. The talented playmaker had an outstanding career with the Bearcats earning special teams player of the year and first team all conference. 

One older teammate who had similar honors at Mckendree was linebacker AJ Wentland. Wentland finished his college career with All-American honors and went on the play in Europe following his time at Mckendree. Meanwhile Cole was signed by the NFL Miami Dolphins after an impressive senior season and pro-day performance.

NFL Experience

The next two years Cole embraced his role as a bubble NFL player, constantly fighting for his spot in the pros. Cole bounced from the active roster to the practice squad, changing teams often. From April 2020, to August 2022 Cole was a part of the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, New York Jets, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, a total of seven teams in 28 months. 

Cole was able to play in his first NFL game on Christmas Eve 2020, as he was an active member of the game day roster for the San Francisco 49ers as they played the Seattle Seahawks. Cole had two special teams tackles in that game. 

Cole made one more NFL appearance in November of 2021 as a member of the Carolina Panthers, once again making a tackle on special teams. 

Reunited with university teammate in the ELF

After a short stint in the CFL, Cole reunited with Mckendree teammate AJ Wentland in the ELF. While Cole was limited to only 6 games this season with an injury he certainly raised eyebrows with his speed and explosion.

In Cole's first ELF season he racked up 407 yards and six touchdowns as the Panthers played much of the season without an established starter at quarterback. If Cole returns to the ELF in 2025 it will be fascinating to see what he can do with a bigger sample size and a strong passing game around him. 

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