See social media reaction to Mizzou’s Brady Cook returning from hospital to spark win
As Missouri quarterback Brady Cook left for the locker room after sustaining an ankle injury in the first quarter against Auburn, a team spokesperson said he was “unlikely to return.”
One hospital trip for an MRI later, Cook retook the field to lead the Tigers to a 21-17 comeback win against Auburn — a win that left him visibly emotional postgame.
Cook reentered the game in the third quarter as Mizzou faced a 17-6 deficit.
He made an immediate impact.
"Mizzou means so much to me."
An emotional Brady Cook after @MizzouFootball's win against Auburn. pic.twitter.com/fXyIBf9Eg2— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 19, 2024
Cook connected with receiver Mookie Cooper for a 78-yard pass that set up Marcus Carroll’s rushing TD to close out the frame. The Tigers’ defense held steady and allowed for Cook to put together a 95-yard drive with 4:26 left that resulted in running back Jamal Roberts’ game-winning touchdown.
“It was a long hour and a half for sure,” Cook said of his time out of the game. “I did not think I was going to come back to play in the game. My stuff was off, my pads were off.
“Ultimately, I realized I had two-and-a-half games left to play at Faurot, in front of that crowd, in front of Mizzou.”
The Tiger veteran finished his day 11-for-22 with 194 yards through the air in less than two full quarters.
“For all that criticism that young man takes, 12 sure would die on that field for everybody,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “For him to be out there and put his body on the line for us is incredible and ought to be inspiring to everybody that watched it today.”
Cook’s performance gained attention across the board: from the Mizzou faithful, former players and media members.
See some of those reactions below:
Brady Cook went to the freaking hospital mid game & got an MRI…was cleared & returned to the field & won the game for us.
LET’S GO!! https://t.co/jUiyawEHUs— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) October 19, 2024
Brady Cook deserves all of his flowers today. They don't win without him. The definition of #TrueSon https://t.co/E1HOPQDMHf
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) October 19, 2024
Really do feel like Brady Cook’s character changed the entire program. https://t.co/zLBfdHWAUD
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 19, 2024
What a gutsy victory for a hobbled Brady Cook and #Mizzou. Eli Drinkwitz has now led the Tigers to a 6-1 start in back to back years. Since 1942, only 5 MU teams have started a season better than 6-1. @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/fmqPwghGqj
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) October 19, 2024
Back to Brady Cook, I realize it wasn’t life or death. However, can you ever remember an athlete start the game on the field, then actually go to a hospital and return to the game. I guess it’s happened before, but I can’t think of an instance.
— Frank Cusumano (@Frank_Cusumano) October 19, 2024
Brady Cook went out with an injury, wasn't expected to return but came back anyway, and may have led the game-winning drive for Missouri vs. Auburn. Gritty performance.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 19, 2024
And Cook had his own reaction postgame:
Happy Homecoming #MIZ
— Brady Cook (@qbcook12) October 19, 2024