Bryan Cox is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was born on February 19, 1968, in East St. Louis, Illinois, and attended Western Illinois University, where he played college football.
Cox began his professional career in 1991 when he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins. He quickly established himself as a hard-hitting linebacker and became a starter in his second season. Cox played for the Dolphins for five seasons, during which he was named to three Pro Bowls and was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 1995.
In 1996, Cox signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent. He played for the Bears for three seasons, during which he continued to be a dominant force on defense. In 1998, he was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year.
After his stint with the Bears, Cox signed with the New York Jets in 1999. He played for the Jets for two seasons, during which he helped lead the team to the AFC Championship game in 1999. Cox then signed with the New England Patriots in 2001, where he played a key role in the team's Super Bowl victory that season.
Cox finished his career with the New Orleans Saints, where he played for two seasons before retiring in 2003. Over the course of his 12-year career, Cox recorded 51.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and 19 forced fumbles. He was known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
After retiring from football, Cox went on to become a coach. He served as a defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Atlanta Falcons. In 2016, he was hired as the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins, the team where he began his playing career.
Throughout his career, Cox was known for his intensity and his passion for the game. He was a fierce competitor who always gave his all on the field, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. Today, he is remembered as one of the most dominant linebackers of his era and as a true legend of the game.
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