Humble CFL star Cox enjoys life in Johnstown
- Chip Cox was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2013
- Chip Cox was named Montreal’s Most Outstanding Player in 2013
- Chip Cox co-owns FocusFit Gym on Main Street in Johnstown
JOHNSTOWN – Chip Cox may be the best defensive player in the Canadian Football League, but you probably didn’t know that.
Cox has lived with his family for nearly five years just outside of Johnstown. You may not have known that.
Cox is co-owner of FocusFit Gym on Main Street in Johnstown. You more than likely did not know that, either.
And that’s just the way he likes it.
Cox, who came from humble beginnings at Columbus Beechcroft, then Ohio University, received a three-year contract extension in December at age 31 from the Montreal Alouettes. General manager Jim Popp said there were obvious reasons for it.
“In our eyes, he is the best defensive player in the CFL,” Popp told The Globe and Mail. “He could have easily been named most outstanding player several times. Although Chip has already been one of the highest-paid players in the CFL, we have made sure he gets his recognition as the highest-paid defensive player in the CFL.
“Never one to draw attention, he just comes to work every day as though it’s game day.”
Leading CFL tackler
Cox is a 5-foot-10, 205-pound defensive back with 4.3 speed who leads the CFL in tackles for the 2-2 Alouettes.
“I run to the ball and tackle very well,” he said. “I’ve always been the fastest player on my team, and still am.”
He impressed out of college, but apparently, not quite enough to make the NFL after brief stays with the Lions and Redskins.
“I did a pro day at Ohio State, and a Montreal scout said, ‘You did better than anyone here. You showed them up.’ Then, when I was with Detroit, the Montreal GM thought for sure I would make the team. But I didn’t, and it was a shock to me getting cut. Montreal called me immediately after I was released.
“I went back to school and got my degree. If I didn’t make the Alouettes, I was going into the military.”
He made the Alouettes, and has never left.
“I never thought I would be here 10 years,” Cox said. “Growing up, I knew I wanted to play football, and I’m grateful to Montreal and the CFL.”
Cox said the Alouettes regularly draw between 25,000 and 30,000 fans, who support their team well. But he doesn’t focus on the limelight, instead concentrating on learning the Canadian brand of football with all those receivers in motion.
“The hardest part is when someone is running with you and you have to cover them,” he said. “You have to decide if they’re going to run by you, or just sit on the route. They have a running start, and it’s a wide field. The sidelines can’t protect you. But it has become easier.”
Johnstown is home
Cox had 114 tackles and 12 sacks in 2013, not only being named top defensive player in the league but also the top player on his team. He’s led Montreal to a pair of Grey Cup titles and is a five-time all-star. But he always looks forward to coming home to Johnstown, to his wife and three young children. In fact, he was just home last week during the Alouettes’ bye.
“I grew up in Columbus, on 22nd Street near the Fairgrounds,” Cox said. “I’ve always wanted land, since I was a little kid. Now I have seven acres, and can ride my 4-wheelers and do a little target shooting. I love my house, everyone is so nice, and it’s a great place to raise a family. My wife’s parents are getting ready to move out near here.”
His wife, Mandy, attended Beechcroft and still teaches there.
During the offseason, Cox works out at FocusFit and heads down to Johnstown’s high school football stadium, where he gives Johnnies’ players tips on how to run shuttle drills and sprints. But he doesn’t tell them who he is.
“He likes it that way. For all he has accomplished, he’s very modest and humble,” said Johnstown city manager Jim Lenner, who has known Cox for a little over a year and watches his games on ESPN2 and ESPN3. “He has a commitment to family, health and wellness. Just being around him makes everyone else better.
“He never wears his jersey or anything with Montreal or the CFL on it, just a regular T-shirt and shorts. He blends in with everyone else.”
Family is most important
The hardest part is being away from his family for six months, although his wife comes to Montreal during the summer and during the season when she can.
“We don’t hesitate to spend money to see each other,” he said. “Family will always be the most important thing to me, and no amount of money can keep me away from them.”
His parents also are supportive, at one point attending nearly every home game.
“Sometimes I miss my family during the season, and I’ve contemplated retirement,” Cox said. “But I still love this game so much, and I bet I could play for another 10 years.
“I’m not at the pinnacle of football, but I try to be the best with where I’m at. I always train like a rookie because you never know when it’s going to be your last time. I want to be the best defensive player in CFL history.”
dweidig@newarkadvocate.com
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Twitter: @noz75
Chip off the old block
•Chip Cox, 32, Johnstown
•Wife, Mandy; children Caylin, 5; Cylah, 4; Clayton, 10 months
•Graduate of Beechcroft High School, Ohio University
•Invited to NFL training camp, with Lions and Redskins
•Montreal Alouettes defensive back (No. 11), 2006-present
•Upcoming TV games: Aug. 1 vs. Calgary (ESPN3), Aug. 7 vs. Ottawa (ESPN2), Aug. 13 vs. Edmonton (ESPN2), Aug. 20 vs. BC (ESPN3), Aug. 27 vs. Hamilton (ESPN2).
•2013: CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, East Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Montreal’s Most Outstanding Player
•2013 statistics: 114 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 interceptions, 55-yard fumble return for TD
•Helped lead Montreal to Grey Cup championship, 2009, 2010
•5-time East Division all-star, 4-time CFL all-star