Former Mississippi State standout and Philadelphia Eagles star Fletcher Cox has decided to hang the cleats up.
In a letter penned to Eagles fans on Sunday, the All-Pro defensive lineman from Yazoo City announced that he is retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL.
“Growing up in Yazoo City, there aren’t many athletes who have a chance to compete at a professional level, let alone dream of becoming a World Champion,” 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.”
“After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire from the game of football. I gave everything I had to this team and to this city. I don’t know what’s next of me, but I do know that I’m forever grateful for my time here in Philadelphia and with the Eagles organization.”
After three seasons in Starkville where he was named an All-American as a junior in 2011, Cox was selected No. 12 overall by the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft. One of the franchise’s best picks this century, he was named to six Pro Bowl teams and helped Philadelphia win its first championship of the Super Bowl era in 2018.
The Yazoo City High School alum finished his professional career with 519 total tackles, 70 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 17 pass deflections. Easily the most accomplished defensive tackle in Eagles history, Cox will now wait to see if he did enough to earn a gold jacket.
