Cole Birdow started his career at Old Dominion as a defensive lineman before transferring to Merrimack where he was converted to an offensive tackle by former coach Dan Curran.
Meet Merrimack offensive lineman Cole Birdow.
NEFJ: When did you start playing football?
CB: ” I started playing football when I was 5 years old and fell in love with the game since then.”
NEFJ: What do you love about the game of football?
CB: ” The game of football teaches you so many life skills, it builds character confidence structure the camaraderie with fellow teammates, it teaches you how to lose and how to win the right way and never get to high or low at any moment cause anytime can be your last time.”
NEFJ: What made you decide to commit to Merrimack? Why was it the right school for you?
CB: “I’m excited about the opportunity to show my skills. I’m happy to be able to put on for Merrimack and bring more attention to the program in anyway possible.”
NEFJ: How much has Merrimack prepared you for the opportunity to play in the NFL?
CB: “I came to Merrimack after originally committed to ODU for DL. My first 3 years here I played DL and I was a rotational player but didn’t see the field the way I wanted. Then Coach Curran came to me with the proposition of playing OL and i decided to take the opportunity and run with it. With only having 2 full years of OL under my belt I gained a lot of knowledge and confidence on that side of the ball and will continue to progress my football IQ. I’m a fast learner and very coachable as all my coaches can attest to it. Coach Kreinsen taught me a lot when coach Curran left the program and help shape me into the man I am today so I have the utmost respect for both of those coaches. I’m just looking forward-most to getting an opportunity to showcase why I belong where I am and willing to compete at the highest level against the best.”
NEFJ: When you are not playing football or doing anything football related, what do you like to do off the field?
CB: “When I’m not playing football I like to spend time with friends and family and relax for the most part and a hobby of mine is gaming.”
NEFJ: What is your favorite pregame meal and hype song?
CB: “My favorite pregame meal would be pasta and meatballs. My favorite hype song is BST (Polo G).”
NEFJ: What is an NFL team getting in you if they draft or sign you?
CB: “I think any time will quickly notice how hard I work and the time I put into taking care of my body and the drive from coming from an FCS program that a lot of guys don’t have coming from a bigger school. I’ve been overlooked ever since my recruiting process in high school and it will show the first day of mini camp that I’m willing to do anything to make the team.”