Eagles' Fletcher Cox shouts out Derek Barnett during emotional retirement speed
Philadelphia Eagles six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox held a farewell press conference on Tuesday, making his retirement official. His speech wasn't as long as Jason Kelce's, though it was just as humble and emotional. Cox thanked many people including his family, coaches, and teammates, however, there was one person he repeatedly called out. And […]
Philadelphia Eagles six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox held a farewell press conference on Tuesday, making his retirement official.
His speech wasn't as long as Jason Kelce's, though it was just as humble and emotional.
Cox thanked many people including his family, coaches, and teammates, however, there was one person he repeatedly called out.
And that was former Eagles defensive tackle Derek Barnett.
"The reason that Derek Barnett has a special place in my heart is because Derek and I, we share a similar story," Cox said. "And we often talk about that story and you can't thank him enough because two guys right beside each other in the locker room sharing the same story has always been a part of what I thought I'd never have in a teammate like Derek."
Later on during his speech, Cox explained the details behind his and Barnett's similar story that they share.
"So early in my career, my brother passed away. And early in Derek's career, his brother passed away," Cox explained. "So I was there for Derek, to lean on his shoulder to tell him that I know what he was going through. To let him know that no matter when anyone says it's going to get better, it don't. And just me giving him those few words and the encouragement of just being there for him always. And he trusted me knowing that I had already been through that and that's why we have so much respect for each other."
Cox said his brother Shaddrick, who passed away in 2015 from a heart attack at the age of 34, remains on his mind every day.
"I'm doing everything he'd want me to do," Cox said fighting back tears. "Do it in the way that he would want me to have the entire family here. … He's tattooed on my forearm so he's always with me. I know he's appreciating it and he's probably got his chest stuck out right now over how proud he is of his little-big brother."
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