Former Greenwich standout Cole Burgess was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad last season and this year has his sights set on a making the Bengals 53-man roster.

Burgess was a dominant three-sport star at Greenwich including a two-time all-state selection in football, while earning all-state statues three times in baseball.

After graduation in 2018 Cole spent four seasons at SUNY Cortland playing in 43 games catching 178 passes for 3133 yards and 35 touchdowns. In 2023 he led the conference in receptions (87), receiving yards (1375) and receiving touchdowns (16) helping to lead Cortland to the Division III national title, a game in which Cole caught a 21-yard TD pass giving Cortland the lead with under two minutes to play.

Burgess was named First Team All-Empire 8 Conference in all four seasons he played and earned first team honors as a return specialist in 2018 and 19.

Cole signed with Cincinnati in May of 2024 and spent the entire season on the Bengals practice squad after appearing in two preseason games with two receptions for 20 yards.

The Bengals have a premier wide receiving corps highlighted by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas with a total of 12 wide outs presently working in camp with Cincinnati. Typically, NFL teams will keep six wide receivers on their opening day roster.

Burgess’ experience as a return specialist combined with his athleticism may work in his favor as he competes for a roster spot possibly filing a role on special teams.

Cincinnati will play its first preseason game Thursday night when it travels to Philadelphia to face the reigning Super Champion Eagles in a 7:30 kick.