Fletcher Cox Didn’t Choose 91 — But Here’s How It Chose Him and Changed NFL History

When Fletcher Cox first arrived in Philadelphia as the Eagles’ 12th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, he had no idea that a simple jersey number would become such a powerful symbol of his legacy. At Mississippi State, Cox proudly wore number 94. But when he joined the Eagles, that number was already taken by veteran defensive tackle Derek Landry.

Rather than buying the number or making a fuss, Cox humbly chose 91 — a decision that, at the time, seemed temporary. “I thought about changing after my rookie year,” Cox once admitted in a 2018 interview. “But it just became part of me. It’s what I am now. I’m No. 91.”

Over the next 12 seasons, Fletcher Cox and the number 91 became inseparable. On the field, Cox redefined what it meant to be a dominant defensive tackle. He recorded 70 career sacks — the most by any defensive tackle in Eagles history — and 519 tackles across 188 games. Opposing offenses built entire game plans around trying to neutralize him, yet Cox consistently found ways to disrupt backfields, pressure quarterbacks, and anchor the Eagles’ defensive line.

Beyond statistics, 91 came to symbolize leadership and resilience. As a six-time team captain, Cox helped mentor the next generation of defensive stars, including Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. His presence in the locker room was as vital as his production on Sundays, embodying the toughness and pride of Philadelphia itself.

Off the field, Cox’s legacy extended into the community through charitable efforts like donating K9 dogs to law enforcement, even inspiring the creation of a K9-91 police car. His passion for drag racing also mirrored the relentless energy he brought to football.

Today, as the Eagles officially retire his number, 91 stands for far more than just jersey fabric — it represents an era of greatness, heart, and unbreakable spirit. Fletcher Cox didn’t plan to make history with 91, but in the end, the number chose him — and together, they became a story Philadelphia will never forget.