Mississippi State football legend Johnie Cooks dies at 64 years old

The Mississippi State football family lost one of their all-time greats on Thursday. Johnie Cooks passed away at the age of 64 years old, the school announced in an official press release. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.

He lettered all four years at Mississippi State from 1977-1981. The former three-time All-SEC linebacker ended his prolific career fourth in school history in sacks (24.0) and fifth in total tackles (392). Cooks was the team’s leading tackler during the 1978 and 1981 seasons, tallying up more than 100 tackles each season. During his junior season, he racked up a career-high 24 tackles in a game against the Auburn Tigers.

Statement from Mississippi State AD Zac Selmon on Cooks

“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. “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 landed on five All-American teams following the 1981 season, when the Bulldogs beat Kansas 10-0 in the Hall of Fame Bowl in Birmingham, Alabama.

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