Logo

Chiefs Star Did Not Participate Today After Donating Bl00d to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery


Kansas City, MO –
 The Kansas City Chiefs were missing a familiar face at practice today, but it wasn’t due to injury or rest. Safety Bryan Cook was held out after making a life-saving decision for his family.

Cook, who has been a steady contributor on special teams and sub-packages through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, donated blood to aid his mother’s heart valve replacement surgery earlier this week. The act forced him to skip today’s team session as he recovers, but it also revealed the depth of his commitment beyond football.

The third-year defensive back has quietly carved out his place on the roster. According to team stats, Cook has appeared in 7 games, recording 15 combined tackles (9 solo, 6 assists). While he hasn’t logged a sack or interception this year, his highlight moment came in Week 3 vs. the Raiders, when he scooped up a fumble and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown — a game-changing play in the Chiefs’ division win.

Though his defensive snaps rotate behind rookie Jaden Hicks, Cook has stood out on special teams. Coaches praise his energy, discipline, and willingness to do the “dirty work” that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.

Now, his off-field sacrifice is making headlines. Sources close to the family confirmed that Cook stepped up to donate blood directly for his mother’s procedure. She underwent heart valve replacement surgery, and his action is being described as both timely and heroic.

The Chiefs listed him as Did Not Participate in today’s practice report, but head coach Andy Reid is not concerned about his availability moving forward. More importantly, the organization rallied around Cook for his family-first gesture.

Fans flooded social media with support after the story surfaced, with many calling him a “true Chief” for putting family and humanity above the game. In a franchise that values loyalty and sacrifice, Cook’s gesture resonated deeply.

For Bryan Cook, the stat lines only tell part of the story. He’s proving himself not just as a reliable teammate on the field, but as a son who would give of himself — literally — when his family needed him most.

TIME CHANGE: How to Watch 49ERS vs BUCCANEERS in Week 6 - TV, Streaming, Kickoff Info
We are announcing a change in the schedule for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. This game has been flexed by the NFL to optimize the broadcast schedule, ensuring the best experience for fans across the United States and internationally. Reason for the Change Optimized Broadcast Schedule: The NFL has moved this game to a primetime slot to attract a larger audience on national television networks. Team Performance: With both teams boasting an impressive 4-1 record after five weeks, this matchup is considered one of the week's most exciting, deserving a high-viewership time slot. Original schedule (before the flex) Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.  pdated schedule (after the flex) Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 12, 2025 (local time in Tampa, Florida, equivalent to 1:25 PM PT) Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida How to Watch (U.S.) TV: CBS — Late national window (4:25 PM ET)Projected crew: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson Streaming: Paramount+ (with Live TV): Streams your local CBS channel (availability varies by market) YouTube TV / other vMVPDs: Watch via your local CBS affiliate (if carried) Out-of-market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube/YouTube TV for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games Radio Coverage 49ers (English): Flagships (Bay Area): KNBR 680 AM and 107.7 The Bone (KSAN-FM) Also available via the 49ers Radio Network and the 49ers app/website Example local listing: 1:25 PM PT Buccaneers (English): Flagship (Tampa Bay): WXTB 97.9 FM (98 ROCK) — Gene Deckerhoff, Dave Moore, T.J. Rives SiriusXM: Channel 226 (home-team feed) Bucs Radio Network: Statewide and regional affiliates (full frequency list available via team channels) Note: Over-the-air TV/radio coverage varies by location. Share your city/county and we’ll filter the local listings for you. Betting Snapshot (as of Oct 9, 2025 — subject to change) Spread: 49ers −3.5 Over/Under: 42.5 Moneyline: 49ers −165 / Buccaneers +140Check your preferred sportsbook for the latest numbers. Stay Updated For regional broadcast maps, game-week details, and fan events, visit the official team channels and follow on social media. International viewers should confirm local carriage and blackout rules with their providers.   We look forward to your passionate support for this crucial matchup! Let’s cheer on the 49ers as they continue their journey in the 2025 season!