Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has been retired for a month now but he spoke to the media one last time on Tuesday.
He kicked off his retirement speech thanking the city of Philadelphia and Eagles fans.
"The city of Philly is tough to play for," Cox said. "Playing in Philly you gotta have thick skin, especially being drafted in the first round. So, to the city of Philadelphia, I think you a whole lot."
Cox, who played all 12 incredible seasons for the Birds, fought back tears and had to take a few moments to regain his composure but he got through it.
It helped that his entire family was in the room.
The Eagles' former 2012 first-round draft compiled six Pro Bowl nods, four All-Pro honors and a spot on the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team during his time in Philly.
Cox will go down in history as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Cox pointed to his "honest" work on the field and leadership.
“When people look back at my career, the biggest thing is I want them to look at the way that I played the game,” Cox said. “I want them to see the honest way I played the game, the way I went out, how they viewed my leadership. Even when it comes to the younger guys. I still want those guys to call me for leadership advice. That’s how I want to be looked at.”
Cox isn't sure what's next for his life after football, though he hopes Canton calls his name one day.
“I have to get to the Eagles Hall of Fame first, so that might help me,” Cox said. “It’s obviously something I think about. It’s all in everybody else’s hands, but hopefully, a few years from now, I’ll be putting on a gold jacket, and I’m looking forward to doing it. I will have the same family here, and we will all celebrate.”
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