FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State Athletics announced on Tuesday that former Bulldog football linebacker Ron Cox will be inducted into the Ring of Honor this coming season. Cox, a two-time All-American, will become the program's first defensive player and the 12th overall member added to the prestigious Ring of Honor.
"Ron Cox epitomizes the spirit and tenacity of Fresno State football," said Garrett Klassy, Director of Athletics. "His relentless dedication on the field set a standard for future generations of Bulldogs. Inducting Ron into the Ring of Honor not only celebrates his remarkable achievements but also honors the legacy he has left on our program. We are incredibly proud to recognize Ron as the first defensive player in the Ring of Honor, and his story will continue to inspire our community and future student-athletes."
The former Bulldog will be officially inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime of the October 26 homecoming game against San Jose State.
"I feel very blessed to be inducted into Fresno State's Ring of Honor alongside my former coaches and peers," said Cox. "Having been born and raised in West Fresno, playing for the Bulldogs was truly a dream come true. While this is a significant recognition for me personally, it is important to acknowledge that I share this honor with my teammates, coaches, and mentors. I will forever be grateful for the tremendous support the Valley provided."
Cox, who led the Bulldog defense from 1987-89, declared for the NFL following his junior season, and was drafted 33rd overall (second round) to the Chicago Bears in the 1990 NFL Draft.
Cox still owns a handful of defensive records for the Bulldogs, but was most known for his nearly unblockable pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In his Bulldog career, Cox totaled 50.0 sacks – a mark that has sat atop the program's record book ever since. No other Bulldog has come close to Cox's career numbers, as current Bulldog defensive line coach Jethro Franklin totaled 31.5 in his career, the second most in program history.
Cox's Bulldog career was highlighted by an astounding 28.0 sack season in 1989 – a program record for most sacks in a single season. Franklin again ranks second in the single season category with 19.5.
Cox helped the Bulldogs to a 27- 8 record in his three seasons, along with two California Bowl wins. Five of those eight losses came in his freshman season. He earned the honor of 1989 Big West Defensive Player of the Year. He was a two-time first team All-Big West selection in 1988 and 1989, and earned his back-to-back All-American honors in those same seasons.
Cox had a seven-year stint in the NFL, spending six seasons with the Bears (1990-95) and one as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers (1996). He helped the Packers to a Super Bowl championship in 1997 (Super Bowl XXXI). Cox's football career ended with his retirement from the NFL back in Chicago in 1997.
Cox is a native of nearby Easton, Calif. and went to high school at Washington Union. Cox graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He and his wife Michelle have three kids, Kelsey, Caitlin, and Ron Jr., and they live in Illinois.
Fresno State announced the transition to the Ring of Honor in June 2023 to appropriately honor the contributions of the deserving individuals throughout its history who have made a transformative impact on the Bulldog football program. Former Bulldog head coaches Pat Hill and Jim Sweeney were the inaugural inductees with ceremony recognitions last fall. The Fresno State football alumni who previously had their jerseys retired will continue to hold that distinguished distinction and are now also considered charter members of the Ring of Honor. Those include nine former players – #4 Derek Carr, #8 David Carr, #9 Kevin Sweeney, #12 Trent Dilfer, #14 Vince Petrucci, #15 Davante Adams, #21 Dale Messer, #22 Lorenzo Neal and #83 Henry Ellard.