Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Interview: Buccaneers UDFA Colby Cox

Originally posted on Bucs Report | By Alf Colmenar | Last updated May 7, 2025 10:17 AM ET

At Cañones y Football, we don’t hide our weakness for specialists. So, when we talk about true love, we’re talking about long snappers . That kind of quiet, methodical, precise player. The one who only makes the news when something goes wrong. But when it goes right—as it often does with Colby Cox—he becomes one of the most reliable cogs on a football team. Will Colby Cox be the Buccaneers’ long snapper?

Colby Cox is one of the names that will be present at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp , and like true Pirates, we wanted to get to know this snapper better, who has made his career at Mississippi State and Memphis. Cox not only started in 52 consecutive games, but has also been included on the watchlist for the prestigious Patrick Mannelly Award, which recognizes the best long snapper in the country.

And the best part: he greeted us with humility and kindness, telling us about the call from the Bucs, his daily routine, his dreams, and even his favorite play… which wasn’t a snap.

Colby Cox’s Profile

Name : Colby Cox
Position : Long Snapper
Universities : Mississippi State / Memphis
Height : 6’0
Weight : 235 lbs
Years played : 2020–2024
Recognitions :
All-AAC (Phil Steele) in 2022 and 2023
Watchlist del Patrick Mannelly Award 2024

Strengths

Surgical precision in snaps for punts and field goals
Undisputed starter for more than 50 NCAA games
Able to contribute in coverage with good physique
Top reputation among specialists, according to Phil Steele and Rubio Long Snapping

Weaknesses

Purely a long snapper
Limited value in other special teams units
Non-explosive speed after the snap

Full interview with Colby Cox

1. You grew up in Canton (GA) and played at Woodstock High. What does it mean for that kid from Georgia to be knocking on the door of the NFL

Yeah, growing up in Canton and going to Woodstock High School, it means a lot to be knocking on the door of the NFL. I’ve had a lot of great people in my life help me, so I owe it all to them. I just hope to make it in the NFL and play for a long time so I can give back.

2. You’ve played 52 college games between Mississippi State and Memphis. What part of your journey are you most proud of?

Just giving the game the commitment it needs. It’s a tough game, and being committed through the ups and downs is what I’m most proud of.
— Giving football all the commitment it deserves. It’s a tough sport, and being committed through both the good times and the bad is what makes me most proud.

3. When the Bucs contacted you for rookie minicamp, where were you? Who did you call first? What did you think?

I was with my girlfriend in the car, driving from Atlanta to Memphis. I didn’t even think—I was just excited. I looked at her and said, “I’m going to Tampa!” Then I called my parents and my brother so they wouldn’t find out on Twitter. It was awesome.

4. Let’s break the ice: If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And what’s still on your bucket list?

Australia. I’ve got two close Aussie friends who always rave about it. And I’d love to play golf outside the US, honestly anywhere. I’m a big golfer and I want to experience courses abroad.

5. Describe a “Colby Cox prep day”: film, snaps, gym… do you focus more on the physical or mental side?

I snap about four times a week and lift/run every day. I like to go hard on snapping so I can coach myself. Snapping is so technique-based, so I focus more on the physical side. The mental side is big too, especially during game week, but for me it’s more about the reps.

6. Long snappers don’t always get the spotlight, but the elite ones are crucial. What separates a good LS from a great one?

A great one should never get the spotlight unless making tackles. You want to make it so easy for the punter and kicker that they don’t even think about the snap. That’s what makes you great.

7. What do you enjoy most about playing such a specialized role? What’s the one play from your career you’d frame on the wall?

Just how specialized and important the position is. Not everyone can be a snapper or kicker. And the play I’d frame? The two-point conversion against UAB. Not many long snappers can say they caught a two-point play in college!

8. If you could send a note to Bucs Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey with just one sentence… what would it say?

I ‘m
ready to get to Tampa and compete.

9. In five years, how would you
like people to tell your NFL story? — In five years, how would you like people to tell your NFL story?

A five -year long snapper who’s
very personable, who loves interacting with fans, being a locker room guy, and who teammates enjoy being around.

10. Complete this headline: “Colby Cox signs with the Bucs and…”

…is ready to get to Tampa and compete. Go Bucs!

Full Interview Audio

From GoBucs.es and our Cañones y Football crew, we wish Colby Cox the best of luck in this new chapter. True pirates also value those who throw the rope accurately to board the ship.

Make sure you follow Alf on social media by clicking here!

Then check out his website for the best Buccaneers content for our Spanish speaking fans by clicking the logo below, or clicking here!

This article first appeared on Bucs Report and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: