Valley legend Fred Cox dies

By the Mon Valley Independent
A legendary native of Monongahela and an NFL icon, Fred Cox, died in Minnesota Wednesday from complications due to kidney failure.
Cox, 80, had been on hospice care in his home in Monticello for some time before his death.
He grew up in Monongahela and was a star athlete at Monongahela High School before going on to play football at the University of Pittsburgh.
He played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1962-77 and is the team’s career scoring leader. He had 1,365 points during his 15 seasons as a kicker and, at the time of his retirement following the 1977 season, was the second leading scorer in NFL history behind George Blanda.
He was named an All-Pro in 1969 and made the Pro Bowl in 1970, leading the NFL in scoring both seasons. He converted 282 of 455 field goal attempts and 519 of 539 extra points during his career as a straight-ahead kicker.
Cox played in 18 playoff games and four Super Bowls, losing to Kansas City, Miami, Pittsburgh and Oakland.
After starring at Pitt following his graduation from Monongahela, Cox was drafted as a fullback in the eighth round in 1961 by the Cleveland Browns but did not play because of a back injury. He was also drafted by the New York Titans of the AFL.
He tutored as a placekicker under the legendary Lou “The Toe” Groza in Cleveland and the Vikings traded for him in training camp in 1962.
He didn’t make the team, but in 1963 he joined them as a kicker and, for one season, a punter.
A proud alumnus of the Ringgold community, Cox returned to Ringgold High School to see his NFL Golden Football. The gold ball was presented to high schools as gifts for being part of the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll, remembering those alumni who had been part of a Super Bowl winning team.
Ringgold athletic director Laura Grimm, who said she was saddened to hear of Cox’s passing, remembers the day fondly.
“That day, his family brought us a bunch of memorabilia that we currently have on display outside my office. Despite his age at the time, I’ve never met someone with a more charismatic personality,” Grimm said. “His eyes lit up as he told stories of his playing days, breaking the scoring record with the Vikings and inventing the Nerf football.
“For someone who had accomplished so much, he was also very humble – crediting anyone and everyone who helped him along the way.”

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