a torn ligament. He sat out of most practices in the weeks leading to the Sugar Bowl against Penn State. He started the game but had to leave after his knee gave out in the first series and probably caused further damage to the original injury. Professional career With his professional sports career in doubt, Cook ended up being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the tenth round (290th overall pick) of the 1976 NFL Draft, who gambled he could recover from his knee injury. Because he played in college as a stand-up defensive end, he was drafted to play as an outside linebacker. He was placed on injured reserve to rehab his injury during 1976 season. Cook attempted to make the team in 1977, however, he was cut on July 22 and never signed another professional contract. Personal life Cook eventually returned to Alabama, and worked at O'Neal Steel in Birmingham. References External links The ballad of Leroy Cook, Alabama's forgotten football superstar 1952 births Living people People from Abbeville, Alabama Players of American football from Alabama Alabama Crimson Tide football players All-American college football players American football defensive ends Dallas Cowboys players University of Alabama alumni University of Alabama people