‘Best supporters in the world:’ Cox thanks Collingwood after cult hero cut by Pies

Mason Cox, the first American to become a regular AFL player, has been delisted by Collingwood after 139 games. The 34-year-old has confirmed he won’t be with the Magpies in 2026.

In a video on his Instagram, Cox thanked the club and supporters, saying he was “pretty excited about what’s next”.

The towering ruck-forward didn’t confirm if he intended to retire or try to extend his career at another club.

“It’s crazy to think that you’d never heard of a sport ... to then be a premiership player,” Cox said.

“Collingwood supporters are the best supporters in the world.”

American Pie: Mason Cox and Collingwood are parting ways.Credit: Getty Images

Cox famously debuted on Anzac Day 2016, kicking the first goal of the game in front of 85,082 people at the MCG.

A former college basketballer, Cox was signed by Collingwood as an international rookie in 2014 after impressing at two combines – one in Los Angeles, and the second in Australia.

After 20 games over his first two seasons on the Magpies’ main list, Cox became a regular in 2018 as Collingwood shot back up the ladder.

In one of the most extraordinary preliminary final performances, Cox powered Collingwood into that year’s premiership decider with a towering effort to help dethrone red-hot favourites Richmond in the preliminary finals.

The Magpies went down to West Coast the following week in a thriller, but Cox became a premiership player five years later when Collingwood defeated the Brisbane Lions in an epic 2023 grand final.

Cox became an Australian citizen in 2022 during a ceremony at the MCG.

Wearing goggles for his final few seasons due to a serious eye injury, Cox ends his time at the Magpies with 127 goals.

Most Viewed in Sport

Loading