Fletcher Cox announced his retirement from professional football on Sunday

n a season marked by notable farewells, the Philadelphia Eagles have been dealt another significant blow as defensive stalwart Fletcher Cox joins the ranks of retirees. While his departure may not echo the fanfare of Jason Kelce’s recent retirement, it undeniably leaves a void in the Eagles‘ roster.

Cox took to social media on Sunday to announce his retirement, punctuating a remarkable 12-year career spent entirely with the Eagles. A six-time Pro Bowler and a cornerstone of the team’s defense, Cox‘s decision reverberates through Philadelphia‘s football community.

Jason Kelce receives heartwarming surprise after emotional NFL retirement speechTwitter

The 2010s All-Decade team member was instrumental in the Eagles‘ historic Super Bowl triumph in 2017, contributing his prowess on the defensive line. Selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Cox proved his worth year after year, amassing an impressive 70 sacks and earning numerous accolades, including a coveted first-team All-Pro nod in 2015.

The Eagles’ will need to find reinforcements

A franchise great. Thank you, Fletcher Cox 👏

Congratulations on an amazing NFL career. pic.twitter.com/A28xwKJ1JU

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 10, 2024

Cox’s retirement comes hot on the heels of Kelce‘s departure from the offensive line, leaving the Eagles grappling with the loss of two linchpins of their success over the past decade. Their absence poses a significant challenge for a team already reeling from a tumultuous season finale and a sobering wild-card playoff defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As the Eagles face the daunting task of regrouping and rebuilding, Cox‘s departure leaves a glaring void that won’t be easily filled. With the echoes of his accomplishments resonating through the annals of Eagles history, the team must now chart a course forward in a landscape altered by the departure of two of its most illustrious players.