Mason Cox has announced that his time with the Collingwood Football Club has officially come to an end, following confirmation that he will not be offered a contract for the 2026 AFL season. The towering American-born ruckman and forward, who joined the Magpies in 2015, leaves the club as one of the most unique and recognisable figures in modern Australian football.
Cox’s journey from Oklahoma State University basketballer to AFL cult hero is one of the game’s most remarkable stories. Standing at 211cm, he made his debut on Anzac Day in 2016, famously kicking a goal with his first kick in league football. Over the course of his career, Cox played more than 100 games for the Magpies, contributing both as a key forward and as a back-up ruckman. His standout performance in the 2018 preliminary final against Richmond, where he kicked three goals and dominated in the air, remains one of the most memorable finals displays in recent history.
In a statement, Cox expressed his gratitude to Collingwood and its supporters for embracing him from the moment he arrived in Australia. “It’s been an incredible journey – one I never could have imagined when I first picked up a Sherrin,” he said. “I’ll always be thankful to Collingwood for giving me a chance and to the fans who made me feel at home halfway across the world.”
Collingwood thanked Cox for his contribution both on and off the field, praising his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to the club’s culture. As he departs, Cox leaves behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for international athletes in the AFL – a symbol of how far passion, perseverance, and belief can take you.
