Legendary Mississippi State football linebacker Johnie Cooks dies at 64
Johnie Cooks, one of the greatest football players in Mississippi State and SEC history, died Thursday at 64, the program announced. A cause of death was not immediately available.
"The Mississippi State family mourns the loss of all-time Bulldog great Johnie Cooks," MSU said in a news release. "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."
Funeral arrangements were pending late Thursday, Mississippi State said in the release.
Cooks was named All-SEC three times and ranks top-five in school history in sacks (24) and total tackles (392).
In what is among Mississippi State's biggest victories, Cooks helped the Bulldogs stun No. 1 Alabama 6-3 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Nov. 1, 1980. He recorded more than 20 tackles in the win and forced the game-clinching fumble near the goal line, a play that lives in Mississippi State lore.
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The next season, Cooks was named All-America by five publications.
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
Cooks, a member of the Mississippi State football Ring of Honor at Davis Wade Stadium, was the second pick in the 1982 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts. He earned all-rookie honors and played 10 seasons in the NFL, helping the New York Giants win the 1990 Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills.
"Mourning my friend and MSU classmate Johnie Cooks from Leland (Mississippi). He was a bad man on the gridiron, but a kind, generous soul off the field," Mississippi State Director of Public Affairs Sid Salter said in a tweet. "I loved his smile and will miss his abiding friendship. Johnie fought the good fight all his life. God bless him and God bless his family."
Cooks retired in 1991 as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
He is a member of the Mississippi State and Mississippi Sports Halls of Fames.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Johnie Cooks, legendary Mississippi State linebacker, dies at 64
