Philadelphia Eagles legend Fletcher Cox is firmly committed to his retirement, putting to rest any speculation about a possible return to the NFL. The six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle announced his retirement this offseason, concluding a remarkable 12-year career spent entirely with the Eagles. During his tenure, Cox not only emerged as one of the premier defensive tackles of his generation but also solidified his status as one of the greatest players in Eagles history, playing a pivotal role in the team’s first Super Bowl victory during the 2017 season.
At 33 years old, Cox remains relatively young by professional sports standards, but he is resolute in his decision to retire. When asked if he might consider a comeback, Cox responded decisively. “No,” he said. “I did what I needed to do. The Eagles organization was great to me for 12 years, and I was very blessed to be there and actually retire as an Eagle. There will be no return. When I made this decision, I made it with no regrets. I didn’t want to make a retirement announcement twice. I made my decision, and I’m living with it.”
Unlike many players who grapple with the idea of returning to the game after retirement, Cox has embraced his new life with ease. He has found comfort in the freedom that retirement brings, particularly the absence of the demanding schedule and intense grind of training camp.
“It’s a little less stress,” Cox admitted. “Not having to worry about a structured schedule, just trying to survive the 13th, 14th, and 15th day of training camp, when everybody’s had enough and they’re ready for the game.”
Cox is at peace with his decision and feels no lingering desire to return to the field. In fact, a recent visit to an Eagles practice only reinforced his contentment with retirement. “It doesn’t feel weird,” Cox said confidently. “I went to practice once, just to check the guys out, and I was like, I really don’t miss this. I went there, hung out with the guys, ran around with pads. I was there for maybe 45 minutes, then I got in my car and left.”
Even in his final season in 2023, Cox continued to perform at a high level. Although he may not have been the dominant force of his Pro Bowl years from 2015 to 2020, Cox remained one of the league’s top defensive tackles, earning a solid 75.7 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him among the top 24 at his position.
Cox’s decision to retire came down to the physical toll of the game. “I’ve given the game so much,” he reflected. “The game has paid me back for so many years—for 12 years, actually. I figured it was time for me to just hang them up. At no point did I want it to feel like it’s a job. My body was about ready to hang it up, and I feel like I made the right decision.”
As part of his post-retirement activities, Cox will be partnering with Bud Light during the Eagles’ regular season home opener on Monday Night Football on September 16, when they face the Atlanta Falcons. Bud Light is honoring the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, coinciding with Nick Foles’ retirement, by releasing 52 limited-edition commemorative bottles. These bottles pay tribute to the famous “Philly Special” play, where Foles caught a touchdown pass during the Eagles’ 41-33 win over the New England Patriots.
Fans of legal drinking age can enter for a chance to win one of the limited-edition bottles by commenting #PhillyPhillySweeps on Bud Light’s social media posts. Each bottle comes in a wooden box and includes a voucher for 52 days’ worth of Bud Light beer.
Reflecting on his time with Foles, Cox shared, “He didn’t mind hanging out with the dudes. It doesn’t matter what position it is; he got along with everybody in the building. That was the best thing about him. We were drafted together, and obviously, that’s special. Winning a championship together was icing on the cake.”
As Cox transitions into retirement, his legacy as one of the greatest Eagles of all time is firmly established. His contributions to the team and the city of Philadelphia will be remembered for years to come.
