Johnie Cooks, the former NFL quarterback who won the Super Bowl title with the New York Giants, died Thursday at the age of 64.
Cooks has played for the Giants, Baltimore/Indiapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns during his career.
He attended Mississippi State University, where he was named an All-American, earned All-SEC honors, and was named the MVP of the Hall of Fame Bowl in 1981.
Former Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Dead At 64
Following his college career, Cooks was selected with a #2 pick in the 1982 NFL Draft by the Colts. He played well in his first season and was named to PFWA’s all-round Rookie team that season. Cooks will retire with 32 career layoffs and 4 interceptions over his 10-year career.
Cooks is widely regarded as one of Mississippi State’s all-time greats. His name appeared on the Ring of Honor at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, and he was one of the first players to receive the honor.
He remains the highest-achieving Bulldogs player of all time and a member of the Mississippi and Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame.
Cooks was a member of the Giants team that defeated the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV, along with franchise legends like Lawrence Taylor and Mark Bavaro.
