Green Bay Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. is having a solid 2024 campaign, and his work doesn’t go unnoticed by his teammates. The 24-year-old, who joined the team as a UDFA in 2023, has seen his opportunities increase, starting in Week 11 after Green Bay traded Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich hailed Cox for his progress last week, and defensive end Rashan Gary doubled down on it in a recent interview.
“He’s a dog, man. He’s a dog,” Gary said about Cox via Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. “I’ve been seeing it since OTAs and camp. Y’all just starting to see him pop on but he’s like a silent assassin. Whenever his number is called, it’s a big play ready to be made and that’s what expect from him.”
“I’m happy for him and his success and it starts with his week of preparation, how if he has a question – asking about a tackle setup, asking how he could play this formation faster – and just the nuances I’ve been giving, the little tips I’ve been giving him and how he’s been going in the game and playing fast and making big plays and getting us off the field, now he’s become a player that we depend on,” he added.
Brenton Cox Jr.’s stats with the Green Bay Packers this year
Brenton Cox Jr. has become one of Green Bay’s underrated weapons on the defensive end. The Florida product recently performed superbly during the team’s 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16.
In the said game, Cox led Green Bay with six pressures, including a sack on Spencer Rattler for a seven-yard loss in the third period.
Overall, Brenton Cox Jr. has played in seven games this year, tallying 12 total tackles, five of which were for a loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble.
