Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox announced Sunday that he, too, is retiring after 12 seasons, all with the Eagles.

Cox didn't do it in a 41-minute tear-filled speech like center Jason Kelce, who retired last week. Rather, Cox posted a lengthy social media post, explaining how the day he got drafted in 2012 in the first round "was a special day that changed my life forever when Andy Reid called me to say that I would be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles."

Cox, 33, had a storied Eagles career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in six straight seasons from 2016-21, and was named All Pro four times (2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018). Cox is tied for third in team history in games played at 188, and he's fifth in sacks behind with 70, three behind Brandon Graham.

Cox, Kelce and Graham were considered the heart and soul of the Eagles for most of the past decade, and they basically followed each other into the Eagles. Graham was the Eagles' first-round pick in 2010, Kelce came in the sixth round in 2011 and Cox in 2012.

It was something Cox noted in his farewell post, also mentioning right tackle Lane Johnson, the Eagles' first-round pick in 2013.

"BG, Kelce, Lane − you guys will always have a special place in my heart. (Ex-Eagles defensive end) Trent Cole − I'm so thankful to you for taking me under your wing in my first year. I can only hope that I was able to have the same kind of impact on others that you had on me."

Cox closed his post by saying: "After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire from the game of football. I gave everything that I had to this team and this city. I don't know what's next for me. But I do know that I'm forever grateful for my time here in Philadelphia and for the Eagles' organization. Go Birds!"

Added Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie in a statement: What made Fletcher truly special is that his influence extends even further behind the scenes,” Lurie said. “The six-time team captain was a key figure in establishing a championship culture in our building. As nasty as he was on the field, he was a master of his craft while also serving as a big brother and mentor to so many young players over the years."

The Eagles announced Saturday that Graham is returning for a team-record 15th season, signing a one-year contract. It was something Graham said he wanted to do as soon as the Eagles were eliminated in the playoffs.

Cox was non-committal then. But he had cleaned out his locker.

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"There’s no thoughts going in my head about it at all," Cox said in January about his future. "I love this game. I give this game everything I got week in and week out. I try to be the best teammate, the best leader that I can. And really the best mentor for these young guys. I love being around them. They make me feel young."

Those young guys, primarily Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Milton Williams will be taking over at defensive tackle.

Cox had 5 sacks last season, and he led the Eagles' defensive tackles by playing 59% of the snaps.

The Eagles will save about $1.5 million on the salary cap, but not until after June 1st. It's the same situation with Kelce.

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Philadelphia Eagles Fletcher Cox retiring after 12 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls