 Dave Edwards nicknamed him "Bubber Frank", which later evolved into "Bubba".Cole made an immediate impact as a rookie, appearing in all 14 games, with 10 starts at left defensive end (replacing an injured Willie Townes) and scoring 2 defensive touchdowns.In 1972, he suffered a knee injury in the fourth game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn't return to the starting lineup until the twelfth contest.