Fletcher Cox follows Jason Kelce out the door as the Eagles legend, who won Super Bowl LII with the team, announces he’s retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the most decorated player at the position in franchise history, has announced his retirement.

The 33-year-old called it a career after 12 seasons in Philadelphia, where he won Super Bowl LII with the team.

It comes as the Eagles will have to find a replacement for Jason Kelce on the offensive line – after the center announced his retirement last week.

“Eagles fans, April 26, 2012 was a special day that changed my life forever when Andy Reid called me to say I would be drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles,” Cox said in a lengthy statement.

“I fulfilled a lifelong dream by making it to the NFL. But what I didn’t know at the time was how much of an honor and privilege it would be to represent the city of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization for the next twelve seasons.”

After thanking the senior leadership, coaches, his parents and even the offensive line, he continued the statement: “To Eagles fans everywhere, there is no fan base in all sports as passionate as you are.

‘You are intense and demanding, but that is because of how much you care. After spending my career here, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

“I’ll never forget the feeling of running out of the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field or the roar of the crowd after a big play.

“One of the proudest moments of my life was holding up the Lombardi Trophy on the Rocky Steps as I looked out over the sea of ​​fans. It was breathtaking to realize what we could achieve and how much it meant to so many.

“Growing up in Yazoo City (Mississippi) there aren’t many athletes who have the opportunity to compete at the professional level, let alone dream of becoming world champions.

“I am proud to represent my hometown, the state of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. But Philly has been my home for the past twelve years and will always have a special place in my heart.

‘After much thought, I have made the decision to stop playing football. I gave everything I had to this team and to this city. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I do know that I am forever grateful for my time here in Philadelphia and with the Eagles organization. Go birds!’

Eagles Chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in part, “What really made Fletcher special is that his influence extends even further behind the scenes. The six-time team captain was a key figure in establishing a championship culture in our building.

Cox is a four-time All-Pro selection, six-time Pro-Bowler and won Super Bowl LII with Philly

Through twelve seasons, Cox has posted the most games played by an Eagles DT and is fifth in sacks

“As mean as he was on the field, he was a master of his craft, while also serving as a big brother and mentor to so many young players over the years. He had enormous respect for the game of football and the legacy he would one day leave behind, and that was reflected in the way he set the standard every day, both on the practice field and in the locker room.

“That standard will live on for many years to come thanks to his leadership and the respect he earned from everyone in the building.

“We are incredibly grateful for all he has given to our organization and to the city of Philadelphia over the years, and we wish him all the best in his future.”

Cox retires as the most decorated defensive end in Eagles history. He was named to the All-Pro first team in 2018 and to the All-Pro second team three times.

He is a six-time Pro-Bowler and was named to the 10-year NFL team for the 2010s.

Cox’s 70 career quarterback sacks rank fifth in Eagles history and his 188 regular season games are the most among Philadelphia players.