E191 - Brandin Cooks, Pilot & NFL Wide Receiver

NFL wide receiver Brandin Cooks isn’t just known for his speed on the field—he’s also building a reputation in the cockpit. In this episode of Behind the Prop, Brandin joins us to share his aviation journey, from earning his private pilot certificate to advancing through instrument training and flying his own Cirrus SR22. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a serious commitment to learning and mastering the craft of flying. We explore the parallels between football and aviation, including how Brandin approaches high-pressure situations, learns complex systems, and maintains discipline across two demanding environments. He also shares why he considers himself a cautious pilot, how he sets personal minimums, and what he’s learned about risk management through aviation. Beyond performance, Brandin opens up about how flying has impacted his personal life—giving him a new way to connect with his family and experience freedom outside of the NFL schedule. He also discusses his passion for increasing access to aviation and why representation matters in the industry. Whether you’re a pilot, athlete, or someone chasing excellence in any field, this conversation delivers valuable insight into what it truly takes to perform at a high level.