Cook graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1954, then served for two years in the U.S. Army. He was a sports publicist for the University of Pittsburgh from 1956 to March 1966, worked for the Miami Dolphins for one season, served as a publicist for both ABC and CBS in New York City, and spent time as a vice president with the Pittsburgh Civic Arena when it was run by Edward DeBartolo, Sr. In between those stints, Cook volunteered with VISTA in Florida in 1976.