Johnie Cooks, former Mississippi State, NFL LB, passes away

Johnie Cooks is being mourned by his Mississippi State family. The former Bulldog standout passed away Thursday.

Cooks played at Mississippi State from 1977-to-1981. A standout linebacker, Cooks was named All-SEC 3 times in his college career. He ended his career with 24 sacks and 392 total tackles. Cooks was recognized in the SEC Football Legends Class of 1998 and inducted into the Bulldogs’ Ring of Honor in 2011.

“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,” Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said in a program release. “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.”

The Baltimore Colts selected Cooks No. 2 overall in the 1982 NFL Draft. He would play in the league for 10 years, also spending time with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. Indianapolis Colts Jim Irsay remembered Cooks on Thursday.

Cooks was 64. Funeral arrangements are pending, per MSU.