Theodore John Cottrell Jr. (born May 3, 1982) is an American former professional football tight end. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Buffalo State College. Cottrell was also a member of the Rhein Fire, Frankfurt Galaxy, San Diego Chargers, Rochester Raiders[1] and New York Sentinels. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Ted Cottrell; in all of his NFL and UFL appearances, T. J. was on a team where his father was coaching at the time.