Stockton, California, native and former New Orleans Saints star Brandin Cooks has long been celebrated for his speed, skill, and consistent performance on the football field.
However, off the field, Cooks and his wife, Briannon Cooks, have shared a journey that required a different kind of strength and patience, their path to parenthood through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The couple had dreamed of building a family, but the road to that dream was not without its challenges.
After struggling with conception, Briannon and Brandin turned to IVF, a decision that would test their resilience but ultimately bring them their greatest joy: the birth of their eldest son, Maverick Archer Cooks, on September 28, 2020.
Brandin gave the public a heartfelt glimpse into their IVF journey on Mother’s Day 2020.
In a touching Instagram post, he celebrated his wife, Briannon’s, courage and dedication, revealing that she had undergone over 200 injections over a five-month period.
Brandin, who joked that Briannon didn’t trust him to administer the shots himself, creatively displayed all of the injections in concentric circles, with their ultrasound photo and a baby onesie in the center that read, “Worth every shot.”
The tribute captured both the struggle and triumph of their journey, showcasing the couple’s unwavering commitment to becoming parents.
In his tribute, Brandin reflected on the emotional highs and lows of their IVF journey. He wrote:
“While it may not have been the way we envisioned conceiving, you always kept a positive attitude about it, and I thank you for that.God helped us find a way when there seemed to be no way. Your testimony is powerful and will inspire others.”
Brandin Cooks
He also expressed profound gratitude to the medical professionals who guided them through the complex process, acknowledging the critical role of doctors, nurses, and fertility specialists in helping them achieve their dream of starting a family.
The birth of Maverick Archer marked the first chapter in what has become a growing family.
While IVF brought its own set of challenges, it also strengthened the couple’s bond, giving them an experience that was both humbling and empowering.
Brandin often reflects on how the process reshaped his perspective, showing him that perseverance and faith are just as important off the field as they are on it.
Today, Brandin and Briannon Cooks Are Proud To Be Parents Of Three Boys
Since welcoming Maverick, the Cooks family has grown, and Brandin and Briannon now joyfully raise three sons.
On September 28, 2022, Cooks announced that his wife, Briannon, was pregnant with their second child and said, “Let’s see how this goes with Mav being a big brother.”
The couple welcomed their second son, Ser Dash 7 Cooks, in 2023. He shared a photo of the family of four on February 14, 2023, writing, “Welcome Ser Dash 7 Cooks.”
Furthermore, the couple welcomed their third child, son, Jhet, earlier this year.
Brandin Cooks often shares pictures of his longtime wife, Briannon, and their three sons on social media, expressing his love and pride.
The former Saints star, Brandin Cooks, and his wife, Briannon, tied the knot in Portland on July 7, 2018, after getting engaged the year prior at a romantic proposal in Hawaii.
Brandin Cooks and Briannon Lepman first met while attending Oregon State University, where he played football and she cheered. Now the couple have been happily married for over seven years, proudly raising their three sons.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Brandin Cooks’ wife, Briannon Lepman, has been a Blogger at A Briutiful Life since 2017.
- On March 21, 2025, Cooks signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the New Orleans Saints; however, he was released on November 19, 2025.
