Former Mississippi State and NFL linebacker Johnie Cooks has passed away at the age of 64. The three-time All-Southeastern Conference standout and Super Bowl champion's death was announced by Mississippi State University on Thursday. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Cooks, a dominant force during his four seasons at Mississippi State, amassed an impressive 392 tackles and 24 sacks throughout his college career. He led the Bulldogs in tackles twice, in 1978 and 1981, and delivered a memorable performance against Auburn in 1980, recording a career-high 24 tackles. One of his most iconic plays came in a 1980 game against top-ranked Alabama, where his crucial forced fumble near the goal line secured a 6-3 victory for Mississippi State.

The Baltimore Colts selected Cooks as the second overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons with the Colts before moving on to the New York Giants. As a member of the Giants, Cooks achieved the pinnacle of professional football, winning Super Bowl XXV in 1990. He concluded his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns in 1991.

Mississippi State Athletic Director Zac Selmon expressed his condolences, stating, "Johnie will be remembered forever in Starkville as he is cemented as an MSU legend." Cooks' legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and holds a place in the Bulldogs' Ring of Honor at Davis Wade Stadium.