The native of Mississippi has encountered his share of challenges throughout his career, including poverty, funerals, and legal battles.
However, after signing one of the largest extensions in league history two years ago and assisting in the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl this year, Cox is eager for the next challenge. And when he steps onto the field in Minnesota, he’ll have his very own support group.
Shaddrick Cox Cause Of Death: How did Fletcher Cox’s brother die?
His Senior Brother Shaddrick Cox Passed Away at 34 from Heart Failure
Cox was very close to his older brother, who raised them and functioned as a mentor and surrogate father.
Watch Cox after the anthem during any Eagles game to observe how his loss still impacts him today. Cox will point to the sky and mutter a few words. “Bro, I love you.”
“I talk to him before every game,” Cox told The Washington Post. “He used to always tell me, ‘Eye of the Tiger.’ He used to always text me that.”
Cox had experienced loss before. His best buddy Melvin Baker died in a vehicle accident during his rookie season in 2012, and his grandmother Jimmie Lee Cox Hankins passed away the following year, forcing him to leave the Eagles twice.
Even while it hasn’t been simple, Cox plays for each of them, especially his brother, who has been both on and off the field his strongest supporter.