Damion Cook, Former NFL Offensive Lineman, Dies at Age 36

Former NFL offensive lineman Damion Cook died Friday after reportedly suffering a heart attack. He was 36.

Bethune-Cookman Athletics, where the guard played college football, confirmed the news. The cause of death was reported by Ron Clements of Sporting News.

Former teammate Gerald Alexander reacted to the news:

After a successful career at Bethune-Cookman that included a Heritage Bowl appearance in 1998, Cook was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in 2001. He appeared in 26 games across eight years with five different NFL teams. He also played in the UFL, CFL and Arena League.

One of his stops following his playing career was as the head football coach of Atholton High School in Maryland in 2014. Bruce Cummings, one of his assistants, told Andrew Conrad of the Baltimore Sun about the impact he made on young lives.

"Damion was someone who genuinely cared about student athletes. He wanted to use football as a tool to help at-risk youth," Cummings said. "We're going to take that message and let his spirit guide us."

Those contributions will surely remain part of Cook's lasting legacy. The fact that he battled for roster spots across several different leagues showcased his love for the game, and he likely passed that drive down to his players.

The Baltimore Sun report notes that he's survived by his wife, JaNiece, and three children.