Collingood cult hero Mason Cox uses one word for his AFL career
Mason Cox has shot an emotional video to Collingwood supporters after the American cult hero was given some big career news.
Mason Cox’s wild, wonderful journey with the Collingwood footy club has come to an end after the big American wasn’t offered a contract for the 2026 season.
The 34-year-old former college basketball player is one of the most successful experiments in AFL history, picking up a Sherrin for the first time in his early 20s and going on to become a premiership player.
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Standing 211cm tall, the Texas native had to withstand bucketloads of ridicule as he tried to make his way in the footy world.
But he had the last laugh, playing 139 games for the Pies and kicking 127 goals in his decade-long career with the club.
Watch Mason Cox’s Collingwood message in the video player above
Collingwood announced on Saturday afternoon both Cox and fellow 2023 flag winner Tom Mitchell wouldn’t be offered deals for next season.
“We thank Tom and Mason for their contribution to the club,” Collingwood list manager Justin Leppitsch said.
“They are premiership players who has left a significant mark on the Collingwood Football Club.
“Tom joined us with already a wealth of experience and has been a great asset for our side and club.
“Unfortunately, his injuries in season 2024 found him mostly out of the side for season 2025, despite still playing some great football.
“Still, his experience, knowledge, leadership and support for his fellow teammates will always be appreciated.
“Mason, who moved to the other side of the world to pursue a sport he had never played before, worked incredibly hard to learn the unique skills of Australian Rules.
“His dedication and commitment to Collingwood are a credit to the person he is.
“We understand that Mason and Tom are keen to explore AFL opportunities elsewhere.
“We wish them all the best for their future endeavours and hope another opportunity arises to continue their AFL careers.”
Mitchell, 32, has played 207 games for the Swans, Hawks and Collingwood, winning a Brownlow Medal with Hawthorn in 2018 and two All-Australian nods.
But Cox was the man going viral after he posted an emotional video to his 126,000 Instagram followers.
“Unfortunately I’ll be not wearing the black and white anymore and I wanted to send a massive thank you to all the people that have shown so much love and care for me over the years,” he said in part, regularly using the same word to describe his career.
“It’s a crazy experience to look back on here, so many people have shaped me to be the person I am today and I’m eternally grateful to all those that have been a part of my journey.
“It’s crazy to think you’d never heard of a sport, worked your way up through a lot of hard work and effort … to then being a premiership player, which is pretty crazy to say.
“The best supporters in the world have shown me so much love and compassion over the years.
“It’s a crazy thing to try to describe what it means and the feeling of having a hundred thousand people screaming ‘USA’ at the MCG.
“It’s something I’ll never take for granted.”
Cox suffered a detached retina during a game in 2019 and ended up having a number of eye surgeries, ultimately earning special permission to wear prescription goggles to help prolong his career.
The eyewear only added to the theatre and the American produced some of his best performances in finals.
Despite his advanced age, the ruckman and key forward suggested his footy chapter is not yet over.
“Unfortunately it’s come to a close here at the Collingwood Football Club,” he signed off.
“But I’m pretty excited about what’s next also.
“Love you guys and go Pies.”
His video has over 33,000 likes and more than 2000 comments, including many from prominent figures in the footy world.
Fellow ruckman and former Pie Brodie Grundy wrote: “What an incredible video!!! This is so special Mason. You should be so proud. I am so proud of you! It was a joy to play alongside you for so many years. Congratulations.”
Comedian and Collingwood fan Peter Helliar said: “Thank you mate. Yours is one of the great stories in not only Collingwood’s storied history but the entire AFL. To watch you play your first game on Anzac Day all those years ago and see you develop into a much loved cult hero and bloody valuable player. I know we lost the big one the week after but the 2018 Prelim is one of the best nights I’ve ever had at the footy. You have conducted yourself with class and humour the whole way through. Can’t wait to see what gig do next. Forever a flagpie and an excellent human being!!
Pies skipper Darcy Moore wrote simply: “So proud of you my friend.”
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Jeremy Howe stated: “Unbelievable effort Mase!”
Abbey Holmes wrote: “Bloody love ya! Very proud of you xx.”
Music superstar Tones and I added: “Big mase!! Love you.”
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