Mike Cofer (linebacker)

Michael Lynn Cofer (April 7, 1960 – March 21, 2019) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1988.

Mike Cofer
No. 55
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born:(1960-04-07)April 7, 1960
Knoxville, Tennessee
Died:March 21, 2019(2019-03-21) (aged 58)
Fayetteville, Georgia
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
High school:Rule High School
College:Tennessee
NFL Draft:1983 / Round: 3 / Pick: 67
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Sacks:62.5
Interceptions:1
Fumble recoveries:10
Player stats at NFL.com

Cofer played college football at Tennessee, where he was a captain of the 1982 squad.[1]

Early life and college career

Cofer was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and grew up in the city's Mechanicsville neighborhood. He played high school football at Rule High School.[2] Following his senior season, he was named to the Parade All-American team, and was the number one recruit in the state, with offers from 50 schools.[3]

Cofer played college football at Tennessee from 1979 through the 1982 season. In 1979, he played in all eleven games, registering 27 tackles (11 solo) and a fumble recovery.[1] In 1980, he played in five games, picking up 32 tackles (22 solo), including a sack and two tackles for a loss, as well as two fumble recoveries, before suffering a season-ending knee injury.[4] Cofer played in 10 games in 1981, registering 94 tackles (53 solo) and a blocked punt.[2] He played in 11 games in 1982, tallying 84 tackles (58 solo), including 4 sacks and 5 tackles for a loss, as well as two fumble recoveries.[1] He was named All-SEC following the 1982 season.[5]

At Tennessee, Cofer was known as Mike "Stop" Cofer to distinguish him from his teammate, Mike "Go" Cofer, who played tight end.[4]

Professional career

Cofer was drafted in the 3rd round (67th overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 1983 NFL draft. He played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Lions, starting in 104 games.[6] He registered 511 tackles and 63 sacks during his career.[7]

Cofer played in all 16 games during his rookie season, earning 4.5 sacks. During his second season, he moved into the starting lineup, picking up 7 sacks. Initially a defensive end, he switched to linebacker in 1985 when the Lions' new head coach, Darryl Rogers, installed a 3–4 defense. He registered 7.5 sacks in 1986,[8] and would lead the team in sacks each season from 1987 through 1990.[7] He garnered 12 sacks in 1988 to earn an invitation to the Pro Bowl.[8]

Cofer struggled with injuries during the early 1990s, missing most of the 1991 season and part of the 1992 season. After spending the entire 1993 season on injured reserve, he was waived by the Lions.[7]

Later life and family

Cofer lived near Atlanta with his wife, Reba. They have two sons together, Michael Isaiah and Philip. His younger brother, Joe, also played for Tennessee.[6] Phil Cofer is a member of the Florida State Seminoles men's basketball team.[9]

In September 2013, Cofer was honored as a Vol Legend of the Game during Tennessee's game against South Alabama.[10]

Diagnosed with amyloidosis in 2007,[6] Cofer died in Fayetteville, Georgia on March 21, 2019 at the age of 58.[11][12][13]

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References
  1. Tennessee Career Football Statistics Archived September 28, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, UTSports.com. Retrieved: May 5, 2013.
  2. "1982 Football Guide". University of Tennessee. 1982. p. 42. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  3. "1979 Football Guide". University of Tennessee. 1979. p. 56. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  4. "1981 Football Guide". University of Tennessee. 1981. pp. 40–41. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  5. "1983 Football Guide". University of Tennessee. 1983. p. 92. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  6. Mike Strange, "Former Vol, Knoxville Native Michael Cofer Fights an Incurable Disease," Knoxnews.com, May 4, 2013. Retrieved: May 5, 2013.
  7. "Lions Waive Linebacker Cofer". Ludington Daily News. Michigan. February 15, 1994. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  8. Doug Warren, "100 Days, 100 Detroit Lions: #76 Michael Cofer," WaketheHerd.com, September 26, 2012. Retrieved: May 5, 2013.
  9. Schoffel, Ira (May 19, 2014). "FSU men's basketball signs 4-star Georgia recruit". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  10. "Cofer Makes Emotional Return to Neyland". UTSports.com. October 1, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  12. "Former Detroit Lions Pro Bowler Mike Cofer Dies After Long Illness". Detroit Free Press. March 21, 2019. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  13. Litman, Laken (March 22, 2019). "FSU grieves with Phil Cofer as it prepares for Round 2". SI.com. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
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