A COLLEGE football player died suddenly at the age of 18 following a recent game in Mississippi.

The player’s death was a result of “medical complications” per the school.

A football player in a red jersey with the number 67 and a gold chain with "DELTA M" holding a football with "DELTA M" on it.
Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) football player Emanuell Cooks has died at the age of 18Credit: Emanuell Cooks – X

Headshot of a male football player in a red jersey.
MDCC announced Cooks died from “medical complications”Credit: Mississippi Delta Community College
Emanuell Cooks, a college football player for the Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC), died after playing in a game against Hinds Community College on Thursday, September 18.

MDCC revealed Cooks’ passing came the following day.

The school made a statement on the death of the freshman player.

“Our entire Trojan family is devastated by this loss,’ MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones said.

“At this time, our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Emanuell’s family, teammates, coaches, and friends.

“We will come together as a community to support one another through this tragedy.”

The school has offered counselling services to his classmates.

MDCC has also asked that “everyone respect the privacy of the family and campus community as they grieve.”

It’s not known if Cooks suffered any medical issues during the game.

Cooks’ elementary school teacher, Sara Mitchell, called the 6-foot-5, 340-pound offensive lineman “the sweetest gentle giant you would ever meet.”
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“Our family, students, and staff have suffered an enormous loss,” Cooks’ teacher from his hometown of Elba, Alabama wrote on Facebook.

Cooks revealed his decision to enroll in MDCC back in February.

“After a long recruitment process I’ve decided to Commit to Mississippi Delta Community College,” he wrote.

Cooks had posted a highlight reel compilation of footage showing his top plays in his first three games of the season.

The clips were posted on Hudl, a website that provides game footage to coaches, recruiters, and recruits.

It’s unknown if Cooks was looking to transfer from MDCC to a larger college football school.

MDCC lost to Hinds Community College (HCC) in what was Cooks’ final game on Thursday by a score of 48-0.

HDCC President Stephen Vacik called the death ” a sobering reminder how precious our time here on earth really is.”