Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Johntay Cook II has been arrested for the second time in two weeks, marking a troubling chapter in the once-promising athlete’s career.
On February 14, 2025, Cook was taken into custody in Grayson County, Texas, on charges of possessing less than two ounces of marijuana. This arrest follows a previous incident on February 4, when Cook was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, on misdemeanor charges of property theft and interference with public duties.
Johntay Cook II, born on December 28, 2004, in DeSoto, Texas, emerged as a standout wide receiver at DeSoto High School. His exceptional performance during his senior year in 2022 earned him the Dallas Morning News Offensive Player of the Year award, with impressive statistics of 84 receptions for 1,469 yards and 22 touchdowns. Over his high school career, Cook amassed 165 receptions for 2,965 yards and 50 touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier recruit. His prowess on the field led to his selection for the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game, and he was widely regarded as a five-star recruit, ranking among the top 10 wide receivers nationally in the class of 2023.
In 2023, Cook committed to the University of Texas at Austin, joining the Longhorns’ football program. During his freshman year, he participated in 14 games, recording eight receptions for 136 yards. Despite the high expectations, his sophomore season mirrored his freshman performance, with Cook securing eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns over six games. Facing stiff competition in a deep wide receiver lineup, Cook struggled to secure a prominent role on the team.
Seeking more opportunities, Cook entered the transfer portal in November 2024 and announced his commitment to the University of Washington in December of the same year. However, his tenure with the Washington Huskies was short-lived; he was dismissed from the team within 48 hours of arriving on campus in January 2025, following a meeting with head coach Jedd Fisch. The reasons for his swift dismissal were not publicly disclosed.
The first of Cook’s recent legal troubles occurred on February 4, 2025, when he was arrested in Tarrant County, Texas. He faced misdemeanor charges of property theft, specifically for theft of property valued between $100 and $750, and interference with public duties. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, but reports indicate that Cook was booked into the Lon Evans Corrections Center in Fort Worth. A hearing before a magistrate judge was scheduled for the afternoon of his arrest.
Just ten days later, on February 14, Cook encountered further legal issues. He was arrested in Grayson County, Texas, and charged with possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. This second arrest has raised concerns about Cook’s personal conduct and the trajectory of his once-promising football career.
Johntay Cook II’s recent arrests highlight a significant downturn for a player who was once celebrated as a top recruit with a bright future in collegiate football. His journey from a high school standout to facing legal challenges underscores the difficulties athletes can encounter when transitioning to higher levels of competition and personal responsibility. As of now, Cook’s future in football remains uncertain, with these legal issues casting a shadow over his athletic prospects.
