Mike Cofer, a former linebacker for the Detroit Lions and father of Florida State University basketball star Phil Cofer, died on Thursday following a battle with an undisclosed illness — and his son got the tragic news in the Seminoles’ locker room, just moments after the team’s NCAA tournament win over Vermont.
The young man received a phone call from his family following the 76-69 victory and “broke down into tears,” according to FSU spokesman Chuck Walsk, who spoke to the Detroit Free Press.
Cofer, a senior forward, has been sitting out with a foot injury, so he did not play on Thursday night. His father was reportedly suffering from an unknown disease that affects the organs and human tissue.
The one-time Pro Bowler played 10 seasons for the Lions from 1983-92 after being drafted in the third round out of Tennessee. He recorded 62-1/2 sacks throughout his career.
“Mike’s most defining characteristic was his physical prowess,” said former Lions player David Lewis. “He was just an absolute specimen. His weight belt that he had in the weight room, on the back of it, it said Secretariat. The guy would just, it was like his skin was paper thin. Looking at him was like looking at anatomy chart.”
FSU officials have not said whether Cofer plans to attend the team’s second-round game against Murray State on Saturday. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder led the Seminoles in scoring last season and was averaging more than 26 minutes and 7 points a game this year before his injury.