Legacy Stamped: Philadelphia Eagles DT Fletcher Cox Officially Retires

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox discussed his retirement after 12 seasons.

PHILADELPHIA - Almost a month to the day Fletcher Cox announced his retirement from the NFL on social media, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star defensive tackle made it official with a press conference in a NovaCare Complex Auditorium filled with family and friends.

“I know this is April, and I wish this was an April Fool’s joke, but it’s not,” Cox smiled. “It’s real.”

One of the best defensive players in franchise history, Cox’s impact on the Philadelphia defense was undeniable as a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a four-time All-Pro, and a member of the league’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s.

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Cox finishes his Eagles’ career behind only long-time friends and teammates Brandon Graham and Jason Kelce in games played with 188 and as No. 5 on the franchise list for most sacks with 70 despite being an interior player.

When weekly conference calls with opposing coaches were mandatory the familiar theme of “blocking 91 and 55,” a nod to Cox and Graham, became a predictable refrain from offensive coaches who had the deal with the Philadelphia defense.

At his height, Cox was considered by many as the best defensive tackle in the world not named Aaron Donald and will always hold the mythical title of “best pure football player” on the Eagles’ first (and to date, only) Super Bowl championship team in 2017-18.

“When people look back at my career, the biggest thing is I want them to look at the way that I played the game,” Cox said. “I want them to see the honest way I played the game, the way I went out, how they viewed my leadership. Even when it comes to the younger guys. I still want those guys to call me for leadership advice. 

“That’s how I want to be looked at.”

A Yazoo City, MS. native, in many ways Cox grew up in Philadelphia, arriving as a 21-year-old No. 12 overall pick in the 2012 draft.  He finished as a team captain and leader of the DT room filled with young talent like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams.

Cox reminisced about his veterans and wanting to pay what they gave him forward.

“When I was when I was young, I had players who led the way for me,” Cox said. “Trent Cole, Cullen Jenkins and Darryl Tapp. Those guys showed me the way of how to be a professional, how to be a pro, and how to go about go by approaching things in certain ways.” 

As for the future, Cox is still figuring that out but a future trip to Canton is on the table.

“I have to get to the Eagles Hall of Fame first, so that might help me,” Cox said. “It’s obviously something I think about. It’s all in everybody else’s hands, but hopefully, a few years from now, I’ll be putting on a gold jacket, and I’m looking forward to doing it. 

“I will have the same family here, and we will all celebrate.”