Former Texas Wide Receiver Johntay Cook Arrested in Fort Worth Amid Uncertain Football Future
FORT WORTH, Texas – Johntay Cook II, the former Texas Longhorns wide receiver and once one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country, was arrested on February 4, 2025, in Fort Worth on misdemeanor charges of property theft and interference with public duties. According to police reports, Cook allegedly reached into a drive-thru window, took another individual’s car keys, and later resisted police directives when officers attempted to intervene.
Cook, a five-star prospect out of DeSoto High School in the class of 2023, was ranked among the top wide receivers in the nation. He had an electric high school career, tallying 1,784 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns in his senior season alone, earning him a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game. His speed, route-running, and ability to create separation made him a coveted prospect for Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns.
During his time at Texas, Cook saw limited action in his freshman and sophomore seasons, appearing in 20 games and recording 16 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns. While he showed flashes of his potential—highlighted by a 67-yard touchdown against Oklahoma State in 2024—he struggled to carve out a consistent role in a crowded receiver room. With Texas bringing in top-tier talent year after year, Cook’s playing time dwindled, leading to his decision to enter the transfer portal in November 2024.
Cook initially landed at the University of Washington in December, joining what was expected to be an explosive Huskies offense. However, his time in Seattle was short-lived, as he parted ways with the program just weeks later in January 2025. While no official reason was given for his abrupt departure, sources close to the situation suggested he was dissatisfied with his projected role and wanted a fresh start elsewhere.
His future in football now appears uncertain following his recent arrest. With the NFL Draft process underway and transfer portal windows tightening, Cook’s options may be limited. Once hailed as a future star, his path to professional football could now hinge on clearing his legal situation and proving he still has the talent and discipline to play at a high level.
As Cook awaits legal proceedings, the football world will be watching to see if he can recover from this setback and return to the field, or if his once-promising career will be derailed before it ever truly takes off.
