Johnie Cooks was a Mississippi State University football legend and won Super Bowl XXV as a linebacker with the New York Giants.
- Died: July 6, 2023 (Who else died on July 6?)
- Details of death: Died after a long illness at the age of 64.
- We invite you to share condolences for Johnie Cooks in our Guest Book.
Johnie Cooks’s legacy
Cook grew up in Mississippi and joined the Mississippi State Bulldogs for his college career. He was an All-American and named defensive MCVP in the 1981 Hall of Fame Bowl. In 1980, he was part of a memorable game against the University of Alabama, contributing to the Bulldogs’ win with more than 20 tackles and a game-winning play. He was later honored with membership in the Mississippi State Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
In the 1982 NFL draft, Cook was chosen in the first round by the Baltimore Colts, not long before their relocation to Indianapolis. Traded to the Giants in 1988, he helped his team to victory against the Buffalo Bills at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. That same year, he was released by the Giants, going on to play a single season with the Cleveland Browns before his 1992 retirement.
Notable quote
“I’ve been a big Mississippi State fan since 1976, when I first came to the first football game. We have the best fans in the country.” –from a 2019 interview for Mississippi State Athletics
Tributes to Johnie Cooks
Full obituary: Clarion Ledger
