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Derek Cox '09 signs with New England Patriots

Derek Cox:
Derek Cox: The former William & Mary standout cornerback has signed a contract with the New England Patriots. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Chargers

Former William & Mary standout cornerback Derek Cox '09 has signed a contract with the New England Patriots.

With Cox’s signing, 10 former Tribe players are now currently on active NFL rosters – R.J. Archer (Seattle Seahawks), Jasper Coleman (Houston Texans), Jerome Couplin III (Philadelphia Eagles), Derek Cox (New England Patriots), Jonathan Grimes (Houston Texans), Mike Leach (Arizona Cardinals), Sean Lissemore (San Diego Chargers), Tre McBride (Tennessee Titans), Mike Reilly (Cleveland Browns) and B.W. Webb (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Cox, a 2009 graduate of W&M, boasts an impressive resume that includes five seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2009-12) and the San Diego Chargers (2013). He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens during the preseason last summer.

A third-round draft pick by the Jaguars, Cox was a two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association selection and finished his collegiate career with nine interceptions. He also made a significant impact on special teams returning punts, averaging 16.4 yards per return with a pair of touchdowns.