STARKVILLE, Miss. (WLBT) – The Mississippi State family received gut-wrenching news regarding the death of a legendary Bulldogs football player.
According to Mississippi State Athletics, all-time MSU great Johnie Cooks passed away Thursday. He was 64.
“Mourning my friend and MSU classmate Johnie Cooks from Leland. He was a bad man on the gridiron, but a kind, generous soul off the field,” Mississippi State spokesperson 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 was a native of Leland, Mississippi. In his Bulldog career, Cooks was named an All-SEC linebacker three times and is top five in school history in sacks (24) and total tackles (392).
He was also placed on five All-American teams following the 1981 season.
Cooks attended MSU from 1977 to 1981. He was the second overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft, selected by the Baltimore Colts.
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