Fletcher Cox still had plenty of fitness left last season.
The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle appeared in 15 games and recorded 5.0 sacks and 17 quarterback hits, the third-most of his 12-year career.
But despite another successful season, he knew his time was up.
Cox said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital that he knew at the end of training camp last year that 2023 would be his final season.
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Fletcher Cox (No. 91) of the Philadelphia Eagles plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on October 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
“I was still in good shape physically and mentally, but I felt like my time was over,” Cox said. “It got to the point where my practices were becoming work and my meetings were becoming work. I was still having fun, but I knew my time was over. I left on my own accord, it was my choice, and I have no regrets about that choice at all.”
“I felt like I could still go out there and play at a high level, and I did. I had a lot of injuries last year, a lot of pain and ups and downs. I just felt like my time had come.”
During the interview, Cox was in the Bahamas, her first August vacation in a long time.
“I’m doing what I love, I get up early in the morning to train and I just enjoy it. Even if I’m not playing ball I make sure my mind and body are in the right place, I enjoy spending time with my family and just make sure I’m always relaxed,” Cox said.
Philadelphia Eagles player Fletcher Cox (No. 91) runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Though he won’t be playing in a game, Cox won’t be straying far from his old team in September, as he’s partnering with Bud Light to hand out “Philly Philly” cans at the Philadelphia Sports Complex’s famed Xfinity Live! Bar, which commemorates the infamous trick play from Super Bowl 52.
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“To celebrate the home opener with my teammates, Philadelphia Philly, it’s a night game, so the Philadelphia fans start drinking early,” said Cox, who will be attending his first tailgate party at the bar. “Their bosses might be mad at them on Tuesday morning, but maybe their bosses feel the same way. I’m excited to go back and celebrate with Bud Light, have a few beers and it’s going to be a good Monday night.”
“It’s going to be exciting, especially with this special canned beer. The fans are going to be excited, I’m going to be excited. I encourage everyone to drink wisely, but the beer is free.”
Cox will miss the Brazil game, however, as the Eagles open their season against the Green Bay Packers in Rio on a special Friday night game on Sept. 6.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Of course. Is it worth it? Cox says no.
“I probably would have been in a bad mood. I’m glad I retired,” he said, though he did play in England against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, just months after winning the Super Bowl.
Cox won a Super Bowl with the team, but last season ended on a disappointing note — the Birds started 10-1 on the heels of winning the NFC title, but lost six of their final seven games of the season — but with a lot of turnover and some new faces, Cox is looking for a solid finish.
Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles watches the game from the field during an NFL Wild Card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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“I expect them to go out there and be a really good team. I expect them to go out there and be a good team and dominate. I know it’s not going to be easy at the end of the road. That’s always the goal…,” he said. “Their games will be fun to watch all season long. There will be good times and bad times throughout the season, but no matter what the result is, good or bad, you’ve got to keep your head up.”
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