Johnie Cooks, a linebacker who starred at Mississippi State earlier than happening to a 10-year NFL profession, died on Thursday. He was 64.
“If you consider Mississippi State Soccer, you consider legends like Johnie Cooks,” Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett wrote on Twitter. “The Bulldog Household misplaced an all-time nice as we speak. On behalf of our program, we prolong our condolences to the Cooks household.”
A explanation for dying was not introduced.
The Baltimore Colts made Cooks the No. 2 general choice within the 1982 NFL Draft. He completed sixth in Defensive Rookie of the 12 months voting within the strike-shortened 1982 season and went on to play six-plus seasons for the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts.
He hung out with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns to complete his profession, enjoying on the Giants workforce that beat the Buffalo Payments 20-19 to win Tremendous Bowl XXV.
Cooks performed in 128 profession video games, beginning 97 of them, and totaled 32 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries (one for a landing) and 4 interceptions in that point.
At Mississippi State, Cooks as soon as recorded 24 tackles in a single recreation in opposition to Auburn. He was named All-SEC thrice and earned recognition from 5 All-America groups on the finish of the 1981 faculty season. He’s within the college’s athletics corridor of fame.
