Fletcher Cox follows Jason Kelce out the door as the Eagles legend, who won Super Bowl LII with the team, announces he's retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the most decorated player at that position in the history of the franchise, has announced his retirement.

The 33-year-old called it a career after 12 seasons in Philadelphia - where he won Super Bowl LII with the team.

It comes as the Eagles will have to find a replacement for Jason Kelce on the offensive line - after the center announced his retirement last week.

'Eagles fans, April 26, 2012 was a special day that changed my life forever when Andy Reid called me to say I would be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles,' Cox said in a lengthy statement. 

'I fulfilled a lifelong dream by making it to the NFL. But what I didn't know at the time was how much of an honor and privilege it would be to represent the city of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization for the next 12 seasons.'

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox has announced his retirement

After thanking senior leadership, coaches, his parents and even the offensive line, he continued the statement: 'To Eagles fans everywhere - there is not a fan base in all of sports that is as passionate as you.

'You are intense and demanding, but it's because of how much you care. After spending my career here, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. 

'I'll never forget the feeling of running out of the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field or the roar of the crowd after making a big play. 

'One of the proudest moments of my life was holding up that Lombardi Trophy at the Rocky Steps while looking out into the sea of fans. It was breathtaking to realize what we were able to accomplish and how much it meant to so many.

'Growing up in Yazoo City [Mississippi], there aren't many athletes who have a chance to compete at a professional level, let alone dream of becoming a world champion. 

'I'm proud to represent my hometown, the state of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University. But Philly has been my home for the last 12 years and will always hold a special place in my heart.

'After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire from the game of football. I gave everything I had to this team and to 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 with the Eagles organization. Go Birds!' 

Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said, in part, "What made Fletcher truly special is that his influence extends even further behind the scenes. The six-time team captain was a key figure in establishing a championship culture in our building. 

Cox is a four-time All-Pro selection, six-time Pro-Bowler, and won Super Bowl LII with Philly

Over 12 seasons, Cox put up the most games played of an Eagles DT and is fifth in sacks

'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. He had a tremendous amount of respect for the game of football and the legacy he would one day be leaving behind, and that was reflected in the way he set the standard every single day whether on the practice field or in the locker room. 

'That standard will live on for many years thanks to his leadership and the respect he earned from everyone in the building.

"We are incredibly thankful for everything he gave to our organization and to the City of Philadelphia over the years, and we wish him all the best as he embarks on the future."

Cox retires as the most decorated defensive end in Eagles history. He was named to the All-Pro first team in 2018 and was named to the All-Pro second team three times.

He's a six-time Pro-Bowler and was named to the NFL's all-decade team for the 2010s.

Cox's 70 career quarterback sacks ranks fifth in Eagles history and his 188 regular season games is the most among Philadelphia's players.