A former football player for the DeSoto and Texas Longhorns was arrested in Fort Worth.
iturn0image1Former DeSoto and Texas Longhorns Football Player Arrested in Fort Worth
Johntay Cook II, a former wide receiver for the Texas Longhorns and standout from DeSoto High School, was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 4, 2025. The 20-year-old faces misdemeanor charges of theft of property valued between $100 and $750 and interference with public duties. According to Fort Worth police, Cook allegedly took a key fob from a vehicle after his credit card was declined during a transaction at a smoke shop on Meacham Boulevard. When asked to leave, he reportedly left the premises with the key fob, leading to his arrest.
Cook’s arrest follows a series of legal issues. Just ten days prior, he was apprehended in Pottsboro, Texas, for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. These incidents come after his brief tenure with the Washington Huskies, where he transferred in December 2024 but was dismissed from the program in January 2025. Prior to his time at Washington, Cook played two seasons with the Longhorns, recording 16 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns.
Cook was a five-star recruit from DeSoto High School, ranked among the top wide receiver prospects nationally in the Class of 2023. His early promise has been overshadowed by recent legal troubles, raising concerns about his future in football.
As of now, Cook remains in custody at the Lon Evans Corrections Center in Fort Worth. His legal proceedings are ongoing, and further developments are awaited.
