The Philadelphia Eagles already saw star center Jason Kelce hang up his cleats this offseason. And on Sunday, another prominent member of their 2018 Super Bowl championship team decided to call it a career.
Star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has been a staple in the middle of the Eagles defensive line, playing the entirety of his 12-year NFL career in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, he earned six Pro Bowl appearances and one All-Pro honor, while perhaps making an even more pronounced presence in the Eagles locker room.
Cox has been linked to retirement rumors for the past few offseasons. And on Sunday, he finally made the decision to retire, taking to Instagram to share a message to the Eagles fanbase on the matter.
“To Eagles fans everywhere – There is not a fan base in all of sports that is as passionate as you. You are intense and demanding, but it’s because of how much you care. After spending my career here, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
“I’ll never forget the feeling of running out of the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field or the roar of the crowd after making a big play. One of the proudest moments of my life was holding up that Lombardi Trophy at the Rocky steps while looking out into the sea of fans. It was breathtaking to realize what we were able to accomplish and how much it meant to so many.”
Fletcher Cox, one of the #Eagles all-time greats, announced his is retiring. pic.twitter.com/3P5o4ti1tX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2024
As you would expect, many Eagles fans took to social media to thank Cox for all he has done for the organization.
Fletcher Cox was the smartest defensive lineman I ever played with. He knew the defensive audibles and adjustments. He knew which way we were supposed to set the front & why.
Congrats on a hell of a career. Nobody will wear #91 in Philadelphia again. https://t.co/zxkpgv9CPv
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 10, 2024
Thank you for everything brother I hope you the best in life after football you will always be remembered https://t.co/GHELcvnn3B
— iamSmitty(0-0)🧹 (@SmittyEagle373) March 10, 2024
An all-time great. Thank you, Fletch! https://t.co/iu951GLB0Y
— Shibe Vintage Sports (@ShibeSports) March 10, 2024
Thank you #91. You and Kelce are the greatest examples of Philadelphia Eagles and I speak for the #Eagles fans when I say we appreciate you rockin wit us thru it all.
Go Birds 🦅
#91 HOF#FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/43GAW0rJOs
— 🦅SAQUON SZN🦅….still extend Smitty (@RollPhillyDawgz) March 10, 2024
https://twitter.com/NFLIvyLeague/status/1766865739317661821
Congratulations to Fletcher Cox on a great career. It’s time for those Georgia first rounders to take over in Philly. https://t.co/f8DDdBvQuU
— ShadySportsNetwork (@ShadySportsNet) March 10, 2024
For the Eagles organization, this represents a true changing of the guard with both Cox and Kelce retiring. Both were instrumental in all of the success that the organization has had in recent years on their respective side of the ball.
As far as how Cox’s retirement actually affects the Eagles on the field next season, it may not be as huge of a loss as many may assume. The team has seemingly been preparing for this news for quite some time, stockpiling depth at the defensive tackle position with a pair of first-round picks in Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter in the past two NFL drafts.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.