Friends, brothers, and teammates: Inside the unique relationship that Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox share

For over a decade, Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox were stalwarts of the Philadelphia Eagles defense. As two of the most dominant players on the team, they left indelible marks both individually and as leaders. However, their impact extended beyond the football field. Behind closed locker room doors and away from the public eye, a strong friendship developed between the fiery center and disruptive defensive tackle.

While little has been publicly said about the nature of their relationship, the clues hint at a deep bond between these former teammates and now fellow retirees. To understand how their friendship came to be, one must first examine their careers and time together in Philadelphia.

Parallel Paths to Philly

Kelce and Cox arrived in Philadelphia just a year apart via very different routes. Kelce, an Ohio native, played his college ball at the University of Cincinnati from 2008-2011. Despite his stellar collegiate career, concerns about his size led to him falling to the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft where the Eagles scooped him up with pick 191.

Cox, on the other hand, was a blue chip recruit from Yazoo City, Mississippi who committed to play at the University of Mississippi. He immediately made an impact for the Rebels, racking up 111 tackles and 18 sacks over his three year career. Due to his freakish athleticism and production in the SEC, Cox was viewed as a surefire first round pick. As expected, he came off the board 12th overall to the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Rising to Prominence

Initially, Kelce battled just to make the 53-man roster as a rookie. However, he seized his opportunity after an injury to starter Jason Peters. Kelce started 12 games and helped pave the way for LeSean McCoy’s breakout season. His stellar play earned him a long-term contract extension in 2014, cementing his status as the team’s center.

Meanwhile, Cox made an immediate splash as well. He tallied 5.5 sacks as a rookie, flashing the disruptive abilities that would define his career. Under new coach Chip Kelly in 2013, Cox broke out with 10.5 sacks and established himself as one of the NFL’s premier interior pass rushers.

Over the ensuing years, Kelce and Cox cemented their places among the league’s elite at their respective positions. Kelce was named a Pro Bowler in 2013 and 2016 while also being named a second team All-Pro in 2016 and 2017. Meanwhile, Cox racked up 54 sacks over his first six seasons, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2015, 2017, and 2018 while being named a first team All-Pro in 2018.

They formed the backbone of a Philadelphia defense that rose to prominence under coordinator Jim Schwartz. Behind their dominance up front, the Eagles finished in the top 10 in scoring defense from 2014-2017. This set the stage for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in 2017.

Leaders on a Championship Team

As the Eagles embarked on their Super Bowl run in 2017, Kelce and Cox took their games to new heights. Kelce was the lynchpin of an offensive line that helped power the NFL’s best rushing attack while also keeping Carson Wentz clean. Cox continued his reign of terror, notching career highs with 10.5 sacks and 23 quarterback hits during the regular season.

However, their impact extended far beyond stats. Both Kelce and Cox emerged as unquestioned leaders and voices in the locker room. They were voted team captains, joining an exclusive club of players who had earned the universal respect of their teammates.

On the field, their play spoke volumes as well. In the NFC Championship against the Vikings, Cox dominated with 2.5 sacks and the game-sealing strip sack of Case Keenum in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Kelce and the offensive line wore down the Patriots defense in the Super Bowl, paving the way for over 150 rushing yards.

Their championship culminated an incredible rise for both players. From underdogs to elite starters and now Super Bowl champions, Kelce and Cox had cemented legacies as two of the greatest players in Eagles history. More importantly, they had formed a bond through five plus seasons of battling side by side.

A Friendship Blossoms

While football brought them together initially, Kelce and Cox developed a genuine friendship away from the game as well. They bonded over their shared experience of emerging as leaders of the Eagles during their championship season. Both were also incredibly hard workers and highly intelligent, making for natural companionship.

In interviews over the years, small glimpses into their relationship began to emerge. Cox discussed Kelce as a role model who helped him adjust as a rookie. Meanwhile, Kelce praised Cox as one of the most talented and hardest working guys in the NFL. Their wives also became close, forging a connection between the families.

Some of their closest interactions occurred away from the field as well. In 2018, they joined fellow Eagle Zach Ertz in throwing out the first pitch at a Phillies game, a rare public display of camaraderie between teammates. Cox also attended Kelce’s charity bowling event that same offseason, showing support for his friend’s philanthropic endeavors.

While the nature of an NFL locker room shields much of what goes on, those around the team saw a true bond between the two leaders. Former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin referred to them as “brothers” who pushed each other to be better. Their chemistry was undeniable, a testament to a friendship that grew organically over many battles together.

Parallel Paths to Retirement

Nearly a decade after arriving in Philadelphia, Kelce and Cox’s careers were winding down. Father Time remains undefeated and the physical toll of the NFL had taken its share. At age 34, Kelce contemplated retirement following the 2021 season but ultimately decided to return for one more ride.

For Cox, a combination of injuries and the franchise’s rebuilding efforts led to his departure from Philadelphia after 10 seasons. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, playing one final year before also calling it a career at age 33.

In a strange twist of fate, Kelce and Cox’s retirements ended up coming just a week apart. On January 31st, 2023, Kelce held a press conference to officially announce his retirement after 11 seasons with the Eagles, cementing his legacy as perhaps the greatest center in franchise history.

A few days later on February 7th, Cox took to Instagram to share his retirement as well. While he didn’t receive the same fanfare as Kelce’s presser in Philadelphia, it was a fitting end to two parallel NFL journeys.

Where the Future Takes Them

As they begin their post-playing careers, it seems Kelce and Cox will remain bonded. Kelce has talked about one day coaching, potentially even for the Eagles if the opportunity arises. Cox has entertained a future in broadcasting while also staying involved in philanthropic efforts through his Cox Foundation.

Wherever life leads them, the bond formed over a decade dominating as teammates in Philadelphia will surely last. They pushed each other to greatness both on the field and in the locker room. And now, as they close this chapter, they do so having found a lifelong friendship in each other through the highs and lows of professional football.

While specifics of their relationship remain private, the story of Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox shows how competition can cultivate camaraderie. Two players who arrived on vastly different paths wound up etched in Eagles lore together, linked as much by their friendship as acclaimed careers. Their parallel NFL journeys may be over, but the bond between brothers lives on.