SUMMARY
- Fletcher Cox has spent his entire football career with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2012.
- Fletcher Cox announced his retirement on his social media account.
Another versatile NFL star, Fletcher Cox, decided to hang up his helmet after a long spell in the league. Cox spent his entire football career with the Philadelphia Eagles after joining the franchise in the 2012 NFL draft. The defensive tackle was the 12th pick in the first round of the draft.
Cox played high school football for the Yazoo City Municipal School District. In addition to being a high school football team member, Cox participated in track and field. There, the defensive tackle competed in the high jump and relays.
Later, the defensive tackle committed to Mississippi State University in 2009 and continued to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Cox performed 104 tackles, ten sacks, one interception, and a single fumble recovery as a senior. The 33-year-old led the Eagles to multiple glories, and finding a replacement for a player like him will always be challenging for the franchise.
What did Fletcher Cox say about his retirement?
Following Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox also quit football on Sunday night. The defensive tackle shared the news of his retirement via a post on X. In a long emotional statement, Cox started with, “Eagles fans, April 26, 2012, was a special day that changed my life forever when Andy Reid called me to say I would be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.”
The defensive tackle also said he fulfilled his lifelong wish by playing with the franchise. In his lengthy statement, Cox didn’t forget to thank the franchise’s fans. Former Kelce’s teammate also stated that lifting the Lombardi Trophy was the best moment of his life. Cox also shared the feeling of representing his hometown.
THANK YOU, PHILLY! pic.twitter.com/vJcyeCndUE
— fletcher cox (@fcoxx_91) March 10, 2024
Cox wrote, “I’m proud to represent my hometown, the state of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University. But Philly has been my home for the last 12 years and will always hold a special place in my heart.” At the end of the post, he showed fondness for the franchise and encouraged the birds to continue their legacy.
Fletcher Cox’s NFL stats and achievements
If Fletcher Cox looks back at his achievements during his 12-year NFL career, his fans and his eyes will be filled with tears of joy. Cox was a loyal warrior for the Eagles who stood beside them for over a decade in every battle. In the Eagles jersey, Cox played 188 matches, and his contribution is unforgettable.
The defensive tackle performed 519 combined tackles, 351 solo tackles, assisted 168 tackles, and made 70.0 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 14 fumble recoveries. Cox appeared on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, and made six Pro Bowl appearances. The former Eagles number 91 also lifted the Super Bowl LII and secured his place in First-team All-Pro once and three times in the Second-team All-Pro.