The football world lost a beloved former player today as linebacker Johnie Cooks passed away. He was 64 years old.
Cooks’ alma mater Mississippi State was among the first to announce his passing earlier this morning. Bulldogs athletic director Zac Selmon credited him as one of the greatest players in school history and a true legend.
“Johnie Cooks is without question among the very best to ever put on the Maroon and White while also standing as one of the most decorated college football players of his era,” Selmon said. “He truly did it all in his career, from earning accolade after accolade as a Bulldog, to winning a Super Bowl in the NFL. Johnie will be remembered forever in Starkville as he is cemented as an MSU legend. We extend our deepest condolences to Johnie’s family, as well as all who knew, loved and admired him.”
After four years as a letterman in Starkville, Cooks went No. 2 overall in the 1982 NFL Draft, where he would go on to have further success.
The Mississippi State family mourns the loss of all-time Bulldog great Johnie Cooks.
Cooks was an SEC football legend and among the greatest to ever represent the Maroon and White.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.https://t.co/gutVe41Rd2
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) July 7, 2023
Drafted by the Colts, Cooks went on to record 11.5 sacks in his third year with the team after moving from inside to outside linebacker.
In 1988, Cooks was released and picked up by the New York Giants. Two years later, Cooks would win his first Super Bowl ring as a backup linebacker on the Giants’ Super Bowl XXV win over the Buffalo Bills.
After playing the 1991 season with the Cleveland Browns, he retired.
Our hearts go out to Johnie Cooks’ family and loved ones.