NASHVILLE – When Morgan Cox was just a youngster, his father gave him a gift he'll always remember: an autographed poster from Hall of Famer Bart Starr.
Starr was at an autograph signing in Memphis, and Cox's father was a fan of the Packers quarterback.
"(My dad) had a poster signed: To Morgan. Best wishes, Bart Starr," Cox said on Wednesday. "I had it hanging in my room for years."
It makes this moment even more special:
Cox, in his fourth season as long snapper for the Tennessee Titans, is one of 10 finalists for the 2025 Bart Starr Award, honoring those who exhibit outstanding character, integrity and leadership on and off the football field.
Starr was a two-time Super Bowl champion during his playing days with the Packers, and an NFL MVP, while playing from 1956-1971. He later served as head coach of the Packers. Starr passed away in 2019.
"Just knowing the type of person that Bart was, as a family man and in the community, it's an honor to be even in the same breath as him," Cox said on Wednesday. "I've looked up to him. My dad told me about him when I was really young. I'm just truly honored to be selected.
"Bart Starr was a phenomenal man, and I know this award is given out to someone who is intentional, and values family life, and community. So, it truly is an honor."
Cox, who played at the University of Tennessee, joined the Titans in 2021 after playing 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. The Collierville, Tenn. native, who attended Evangelical Christian High School, has been named to five Pro Bowls, and he's one of the team's captains once again this season.
After every game, Cox identifies a player or two from the opposing team's special teams unit, and he offers words of encouragement and support, while praising them for their work and commitment.
Cox also regularly brings together the two teams in postgame for an on-field prayer.
A year ago, Cox was one of the finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
At some point later this month, an overall winner for the Bart Starr award will be named. The group was recently trimmed from 32 to 10. Voting will take place in conjunction with the Pro Bowl voting in the coming weeks.
Cox, a father of four, credits his entire family for making him the man he is today, from the example they've set, to their service in the community. Both of his grandfathers served in the military, and his father currently serves on the school board in his hometown. His parents rarely miss home games.
"As a strong, Christian believer, it's something that I have been raised on, in a Christian household," Cox said. "My mom and dad used to tell me, when I was really young: 'Be a leader, not a follower.' I remember that from grade school, and what that meant to me was not to just follow the crowd, but to make your own decisions and treat people with respect.
"Being that Athletes in Action is the one that does the (Bart Starr) award, being a part of that organization and having gone through Fellowship of Christian Athletes in school. … Service in the community is such an important part of our family backbone. It's always been important to my family, and to me."
