Mike Cooper, fondly known across the Plains as Auburn’s “Helmet Guy,” passed away last weekend in an accident in Clanton, Alabama. Auburn fans will miss the superfan, who regularly attended the games wearing a batter’s helmet and often leading the chants. Cooper worked 35 years for EPCON Sign Group before retiring.
Cooper graduated from Auburn in 1974, and over the years, he became well known for his love for the school across all sports, including Auburn football, basketball, and softball games. It’ll be hard to find the Auburn baseball game, which he missed traveling to from Canton. According to The Plainsman, Cooper once said that he had held season tickets to the school’s baseball games since the 1990s.
A devoted fan and member of the Auburn Family gone too soon.
The energy around Plainsman Park won’t be the same without you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and the Cooper Family. Rest easy, Helmet Guy. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/uIFDLIoJcB
— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) August 25, 2025
In 2001, Auburn arranged a giveaway of plastic batter’s helmets. Cooper also got one and since that game, he always came to games wearing the same helmet and supporters also started to notice his love for the program.
Such was his stature that coaches of the respective program tend to invite him specially to boost the morale within the stadium. Auburn fans have also grown to love him, and one way they celebrate him is by chanting in his trademark plastic helmet at Plainsman Park. This has been happening for decades, showcasing how much Cooper meant to the school and the fans.
Auburn mayor issues a statement following “Helmet Guy” Mike Cooper’s death
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders issued a heartfelt statement, remembering his legacy in the wake of Mike Cooper’s death. Anders said:
“His enthusiasm never took a day off. What a guy! The Auburn Spirit is a little dimmer today. Worked for my dad, coached my brother’s baseball team, and brought us peaches every summer. Loyal to his people and his university. Never to be replaced but always to be remembered.”
Auburn head baseball coach also mourned his loss. He posted the following on X.
“Mike was one of our most devoted fans since the day I stepped foot on campus. He was a friend and a true Auburn Man and will be greatly missed in our circle and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers go out to he and his family.”
Auburn University Athletics will also release a statement soon.
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