After being dismissed from Gators, Cox declares for NFL Draft
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Former Florida Gators outside linebacker Brenton Cox Jr has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. The redshirt junior announced his decision on Twitter.
“I am humbled and excited to announce that I will declare for the 2023 NFL Draft,” he wrote. “I look forward to this next season in my life and the opportunity to make everyone proud in my professional football career.”
The news comes just hours after Gators Online first reported that Cox had been dismissed from the team. Billy Napier also addressed the dismissal.
“I think that being a football player at the University of Florida is a privilege, right? There’s certain expectations and standards that come with that. Brenton’s been here in his third year. Obviously, he’s done a lot of good things for the University of Florida, and we wish him nothing but the best,” Napier said Monday. “Sometimes you have to make decisions in the best interests of the team. Certainly, Brenton, we’re going to do everything we can do to help him with his transition, but as simple as that. I think we’ve decided to move on.”
Cox in “shock” over his dismissal
In his statement declaring for the NFL Draft, Cox expressed both disappointment and shock over the predicament he finds himself in.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Florida Gator football program, fans, and my teammates. This football program has helped me to be a productive and positive student-athlete on and off the field. I will be forever grateful for that. Being a part of this program and having the ability to wear the No. 1 jersey was an honor and a privilege.
“I find it hard to express my disappointment in being dismissed from the team. It is truly a shock. I have always had a competitive spirit. I think sometimes that gets misconstrued. SEC football is a serious endeavor. There is a lot at stake for everyone involved. As I leave the program, I want the Gator faithful to know my goal every Saturday was to contribute to a winning effort and that my mindset has always been focused on making my team and teammates better.”
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
