Former Detroit Lions linebacker Mike Cofer has passed away after a lengthy illness. Cofer was just 58.
A third-round pick out of Tennessee in 1983, Cofer played all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Lions. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1988, one of two seasons where he topped 10 sacks. His No. 55 was instantly recognizable with the oversized shoulder pads and neck roll.
His son, Phil, is a senior forward on Florida State’s basketball team. Phil got word of his father’s passing during the Seminoles’ opening-round win on Thursday. Mike Cofer had suffered from amyloidosis for several years prior to his death.
