Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox announced Sunday that he’s retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL—all with the Eagles.
“After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire from the game of football,” Cox wrote on Instagram. “I gave everything I had to this team and to this city. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I do know that I’m forever grateful for my time here in Philadelphia and with the Eagles organization. Go Birds!”
Cox was selected with the No. 12 pick in the 2012 NFL draft out of Mississippi State, and it didn’t take long for him to become one of the organization’s top players.
Over his 12-year career, Cox started in 182 of his 188 games played. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selectee and was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.
Cox also was a key player in the team’s Super Bowl run after the 2017 season, when they defeated the New England Patriots to win the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.
“To Eagles fans everywhere, there is not a fan base in all of sports that is as passionate as you,” Cox said in a statement. “You are intense and demanding. But it’s because of how much you care. After spending my career here, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
