Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Ex-NFL player Damion Cook dies at 36

Detroit Lions v Houston Texans

Getty Images

Damion Cook, an offensive lineman who spent nine years in and out of the NFL, has died at the age of 36.

The athletics department at his alma mater, Bethune-Cookman, confirmed his death on Friday. Maurice Clarett, who played with Cook on the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League, wrote on Instagram that the cause of death was a heart attack.

“I played with him in Omaha for 2 years,” Clarett wrote. “I talked to him daily out there. The brother blocked for me and gave me a ride to the football facility often when I didn’t have a car. More important than that he always talked about the lord 24/7. Played gospel music constantly and always praised his wife and kids. Very crazy to hear the news. Still hasn’t hit me yet. Unbelievable to be real.”

NFL fans may best remember Cook for the impression of Ray Lewis he performed in the Ravens’ training camp, as shown on Hard Knocks.

In addition to the Ravens, Cook spent time with the Bears, Dolphins, Browns and Lions, as well as the UFL’s Nighthawks, CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and arena football’s Tampa Bay Storm.