Bryan Cox new Jets defensive line coach
Veteran from ESL prepares for first season on sidelines
By Maurice Scott Jr.
For the St. Louis American
East St. Louis’ own Bryan Cox been associated with the game of football since he was five years old.
Cox played for legendary coach Bob Shannon at East St. Louis Senior High. In 1985, Cox led the Flyers to the IHSA Class 6A State Championship and the USA Today national championship. He was the leader of one of the greatest football teams in the history of the state of Illinois.
The accomplishments for the teams that Cox led as captain are almost endless. For example, the Flyers:
– Won three State Championships, 1983 – 1986
– Averaged 47.9 points a game
– Had a defense that returned three interceptions for touchdowns in one quarter in a state playoff game (1985)
– Scored a record 96 touchdowns (1985)
– Had a 44-game winning streak from September 9, 1983 – October 4, 1986. The streak was snapped at Granite City after they watered the field all morning. The Flyers avenged that lost by demolishing Granite City in the playoffs with Cox knocking out about 4 Warriors by himself.
Throughout his career, Cox was known for his great intensity and incredible work ethic. Those attributes took him from a NCAA Division I-AA school (Western Illinois) to a Pro Bowl-career in the National Football League.
Now that his playing days are over, Cox begins the next phase of his football life as the defensive line coach of the New York Jets. Cox, 38, begins his first season on the sidelines, following a 12-year career in the National Football League. Cox played in 165 regular seasons games, making 144 starts, playing for the Miami Dolphins( 1991 – 1995) Chicago Bears (1996 – 1997), the Jets (1998 – 2000), New England Patriots ( 2001) and New Orleans Saints (2002).
During his time with the Patriots, Cox earned the ultimate prize in winning a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XXXVI against the Rams. During his career, Cox amassed 645 tackles, 51.5 sacks, 37 passes defended, and four interceptions while playing a variety of different defensive positions.
Cox also has a passion for his hometown of East St., Louis. It’s not uncommon to see Bryan talking to kids in the summer at the Jackie Joyner- Kersee Center, or at the local baseball fields. Cox loves baseball and softball with a great deal of enthusiasm and can be seen playing in local baseball tournaments during the summer months.
The most impressive thing, though, about Bryan is what does in his community on a quiet level. You can see his brother Tony during the Christmas season driving a rented van, passing out toys in the housing projects and throughout the East St. Louis community.
I remember one summer while Cox was playing with the Dolphins, he held a football camp in East St. Louis. The smiles on the faces of the youth that summer were something that I haven’t witnessed with ANY athlete who returned to this city. And Bryan wasn’t a phony, like other athletes we know. He showed up for his camps. He would walk, talk and teach to all the participants.
Most of you who don’t know Bryan Cox only remember him for some of the antics that got him in trouble with the commissioner’s office or the opposition on Sunday afternoon. Bryan has always been an outspoken individual who has never been afraid to express his opinion at any time. Those who know Mr. Cox understand that he is indeed a true East St. Louis resident who hasn’t forgotten his roots. I’m glad a good guy who speaks out is finally getting a break.