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Former Washington Huskies safety Alex Cook proved he's still got it when he returned a one-handed interception for a touchdown for the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League.
Trailing 17-0 midway through the third quarter against the Houston Gamblers on Saturday, Cook perfectly read John Rhys Plumlee's pass, picked it off in stride, and took it to the house for a 30-yard pick-six. Although it didn't prevent the Stallions from falling 26-13 in their season finale, it put a stamp on a standout season the ex-UW starter has had in 2026.
At 27 years old, Cook started all 10 games at free safety for the UFL franchise this season with 508 snaps logged to his name, third-most among any Stallions defender and tenth-most among all defenders.
Based on Pro Football Focus' UFL grades, Cook ranks in the top eight in every significant defensive category—of the players who have played at least 316 total defensive snaps in 2026—and led the Stallions with a 69.1 defense, 70.2 run defense, and 66.1 coverage grade during the regular season under first-year coach, ex-Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.
Prior to this season with the Stallions, the former Husky, who began his college career as a wide receiver in 2017-18 under ex-coach Chris Petersen but switched to safety from 2019-22, bounced around the NFL after going undrafted in 2023. Cook has signed with the New York Giants (2023, 2024), Carolina Panthers (2023-24), and Chicago Bears (2025), but hasn't played a snap in the league.
However, a strong campaign with Birmingham could change his future outlook.
Cook finished the UFL regular season at No. 20 in total tackles with 45 (27 solo) with a tackle for loss, an interception, and the memorable 30-yard return, something he'll be able to boast about forever, even if it means not being able to play in the postseason as the Stallions finished 4-6 on the year.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington Huskies starter grabs one-handed pick six in UFL
Continue reading...
Trailing 17-0 midway through the third quarter against the Houston Gamblers on Saturday, Cook perfectly read John Rhys Plumlee's pass, picked it off in stride, and took it to the house for a 30-yard pick-six. Although it didn't prevent the Stallions from falling 26-13 in their season finale, it put a stamp on a standout season the ex-UW starter has had in 2026.
At 27 years old, Cook started all 10 games at free safety for the UFL franchise this season with 508 snaps logged to his name, third-most among any Stallions defender and tenth-most among all defenders.
Based on Pro Football Focus' UFL grades, Cook ranks in the top eight in every significant defensive category—of the players who have played at least 316 total defensive snaps in 2026—and led the Stallions with a 69.1 defense, 70.2 run defense, and 66.1 coverage grade during the regular season under first-year coach, ex-Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.
Prior to this season with the Stallions, the former Husky, who began his college career as a wide receiver in 2017-18 under ex-coach Chris Petersen but switched to safety from 2019-22, bounced around the NFL after going undrafted in 2023. Cook has signed with the New York Giants (2023, 2024), Carolina Panthers (2023-24), and Chicago Bears (2025), but hasn't played a snap in the league.
However, a strong campaign with Birmingham could change his future outlook.
Cook finished the UFL regular season at No. 20 in total tackles with 45 (27 solo) with a tackle for loss, an interception, and the memorable 30-yard return, something he'll be able to boast about forever, even if it means not being able to play in the postseason as the Stallions finished 4-6 on the year.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington Huskies starter grabs one-handed pick six in UFL
Continue reading...
