James Cotton
My Story

Collinwood High School Graduate 1994 Letterman (Football, Baseball, Basketball) Voted All-State/All-Senate each Sport 

1993 Blue-Chip All-American 

1996 JUCO All-American (1996 Team Most Outstanding Linebacker)

1997 JUCO All-American (1997 Team Most Outstanding Linebacker)

1996 Conference Champions (Team Captain)

1997 Conference Champions (Team Captain)

A.W. Dutch Elston Award CCSF 1997

Graduate City College of San Francisco 1997 Associate of Arts (Deans List)

Graduate The Ohio State University 2007 Bachelor of Arts & Sciences 

1998 Big Ten Champion 

1998 Sugar Bowl Champion

All Big-Ten Honorable Mention 1999 (Led Team in Sacks) 

Voted Ohio State’s Most Outstanding Lineman 1999

NFL Draft Pick Chicago Bears 2000

XFL New York/ New Jersey Hitmen 2001

Calgary Stampeders 2001 (CFL Grey Cup Champions) (All Rookie Team) 

Buffalo Bills 2002

Atlanta Falcons 2003-2004

Hamilton Tigercats 2005-2006 (CFL) (5-Time CFL Lineman of the Week)

Member of Varsity O

Member of The Ohio State Alumni Association 

Honorary Rotary Member 

Inductee of City College of San Francisco Football Legacy Wall of Fame

Inductee of the Collinwood High School Hall of Fame

Mr. Cotton served as an independent consultant with the Ohio State James Cancer Medical Center grieving program to help children, teens, and families through the grieving process.

Yearly, Mr. Cotton provides football camps for children with special needs and underprivileged youth to attend absolutely free in the great state of Ohio!

As a keynote and motivational speaker, James has a tackle tobacco and anti-vaping campaign that has been presented in several middle and high schools throughout the country impacting over 500,000 students. 

His most memorable speech came when he had the opportunity to speak at his alma mater Collinwood high school and being featured on the front page of the Cleveland Plain Dealer! 

James’s most memorable college sports moment was being the last player to sack Tom Brady two-times in the big house!

Shortly after retiring from professional football, James established Buck Icon, which helps former Ohio State athletes have a positive transition into life after sports. He has successfully empowered over 50 athletes with knowledge and resources that led to employment opportunities for all the athletes. Also, James served as a liaison that helped several professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, WNBA, and MLB recover important lifetime benefits and compensation that were owed to the athletes. 

Since transitioning from professional football, James is excited get back to a family oriented and team environment with The Snyder-Cotton Agency. He has built financial services agency with part-time and top producers servicing and protecting families by providing financial literacy, peace of mind, and securing your family’s legacy. 

This former NFL Draft pick loves learning, traveling, and spending quality time with his beautiful wife Hannah and their four lovely children Veronica, Vallory, Vaughn, and Vannah.