Eagles DT Fletcher Cox named one of NFL’s most irreplaceable players

The kudos just keep on coming for Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (as they should). Let’s look at some of what the media’s had to say recently.

You won’t have to dig too deep into any conversation with any Philadelphia Eagles fan to get them to understand the value of their star defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox. He’s proven he belongs in the ultra-competitive NFL since his arrival in 2012.

A little over four years later, ’91’ cashed in on a six-year, $103 million dollar extension, and at no point since that’s happened has any fan or coach of ‘The Birds’ had buyer’s remorse.

We’re seven seasons into a brilliant career, and we may all be witnesses to someone that may force Philly fans to take a road trip to Canton, Ohio. Yes, you can write that down. We’re saying it early.

Cox’s talents go way beyond the category of regional. Eagles fans, both in and out of the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ will vouch for that one, and it isn’t hard to find any NFL expert or member of the media who doesn’t understand the value of ’91’.

Check out this recent tweet by PFF Eagles:

Recently, NFL.com columnist Adam Schein listed his nine most indispensable defensive players in the game. Guess whose name came up. Take a couple of seconds, and read the argument.

"Eternally underrated. Well, not here. This marks the fifth straight year that Cox has held a spot on this list. And for good reason. He wrecks games in so many different ways along that Eagles’ defensive line. He’s a winner and a true champion who is tough and clutch and makes everyone around him better.The player sitting atop this list, Aaron Donald, gets all the shine when people discuss DT disruption. Understandable, but unfortunate. Cox is a monster in the middle of Philly’s defensive front, fresh off a first-team All-Pro season that saw him log a career-high 10.5 tackles."

He was also seen as Philly’s biggest strength in a recent story by ESPN.com.

"Fletcher Cox would likely be considered the NFL’s best defensive player if Aaron Donald weren’t in the league. Still, Cox is the second-best interior defensive lineman in the league and arguably the second-best defensive player in the NFL. Last season saw him finish second in total pressures (101), pressure rate (16.0%) and pass-rush win percentage (20.1) behind Donald but leaps and bounds above the next-best defender."

In an era of Fantasy Football and stat-obsessed fans, a tale like this one can’t be told without bringing up some numbers. Don’t worry football fans, whether casual or die-hard, we’ve got you covered. Let’s check out his resume.

Count them up. We’re talking 327 total career tackles, 44.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, ten fumble recoveries, 12 pass deflections, and yes, two defensive touchdowns. Add that to a Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team nod in 2012 and three Second-team All-Pro nods in 2014, 2015, and 2017.

Don’t forget about that First-team All-Pro nod in 2018, his four Pro Bowl nods, and his hand in helping Philly deliver a Super Bowl victory (their first) to the most loyal fans in sports.

That’s why you pay a defensive lineman like he’s a quarterback. That’s why ‘Birds’ fans hope and pray this man plays his entire career in an Eagles jersey. That’s why the most loyal fans on Planet Earth sit patiently and wait on what he’ll do this season. His tale continues on July 24th when the vets and rookies return to camp at the Novacare Complex.