PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Fletcher Cox, the Philadelphia Eagles' six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, declared that he is retiring on Sunday.
Cox, who was picked in the first round in 2012, spent all 12 of his seasons in Philadelphia and holds the team record for sacks (70) by a defensive tackle, following only Reggie White, Trent Cole, Clyde Simmons and Brandon Graham in career sacks.
He is joining six-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce in retirement, while Graham agreed to a one-year contract on Saturday to continue with the Eagles for his 15th season.
Cox wrote on Instagram, “I achieved my lifelong dream of reaching the NFL. But I did not realize at the time the honor and privilege it would be to represent the city of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization for the next 12 seasons.”
Cox was the No. 12 overall pick in 2012 in Andy Reid’s last season in Philadelphia. He helped the Eagles defeat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl after the 2017 season and had his most successful year in 2018 when he was a first-team All-Pro.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie stated, “What made Fletcher truly special is that his influence extends even further behind the scenes. The six-time team captain played a key role in establishing a championship culture in our building. As fierce as he was on the field, he was a master of his craft while also acting as a mentor to many young players over the years.
Lurie also said, “He had great respect for the game of football and the legacy he would leave behind one day, and that was evident in the way he set the standard every single day, whether on the practice field or in the locker room. Thanks to his leadership and the respect he earned from everyone in the building, that standard will endure for many years.”
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