Legendary New York Giants linebacker Johnnie Cooks died on Thursday at the age of 64, Mississippi State announced.
Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon broke the news in a statement without citing the cause of death.
“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,” he continued.
Cooks is considered one of the best players in Cleveland Bulldogs history, as he completed his career fourth in program history with 24 sacks and fifth with 392 total tackles. He was a three-time All-SEC selection as well as the team’s top tackler both seasons in 1978 and 1981, recording more than 100 tackles.
The former NFL linebacker was also selected by the Baltimore Colts as the second overall choice in the 1982 NFL Draft. Cooks had 32 sacks, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions during the course of 128 games in 10 seasons with the Colts, Giants, and Cleveland Browns in the league.
Mississippi State head football coach Zach Arnett expressed his condolences to Cook’s family on Twitter.
“When you think of Mississippi State Football, you think of legends like Johnie Cooks. The Bulldog Family lost an all-time great today. On behalf of our program, we extend our condolences to the Cooks family,” Arnett tweeted.
Fans of Cooks also shared their fondest memories of watching the football legend play in the league.
“What a player. I was at the Alabama and Kansas games. In the Bama win he plugged a gaping hole and stopped Major Ogilvie dead. In the bowl Cooks said he was a little sad that Kansas fumbled the opening kickoff. He was prepared to defend Kansas and ‘I had my mean turned on,’” one Twitter user wrote.
“Heartbroken. What a great Bulldog and nice guy. Condolences to the Cooks family. 💔,” another user tweeted.
