But 16 seasons in theNFL haven't made the nerves completely disappear.
Cox, 40, enters Year 17 with 250 regular season gamesand five Pro Bowl selections behind him. There's little about the NFL he hasn't seen or done. He's still finding ways to keep himself motivated.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I get to compete against guys that are 15 years younger than me and still be able to hang with them," Cox said. "That lights my fire as far as competition."
On a punt, his direct competitor is the defender across from him. Once the ball leaves his hands, he stands upright to stop the rusher from blocking the kick.
Titans special teams coordinatorJohn Fassel,who was hired in 2025 and re-signed to a new deal in January 2026 under new head coach Robert Saleh, has seen their partnership develop.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyren Montgomery (19) signs autographs during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) signs autographs during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm (84) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) waves to fans during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the field for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the field for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the field for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans tight ends coach Luke Stocker during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) warms uo during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) breaks for water during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) warms up for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) warms up for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox (46) gets ready for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws a pass during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) and guard Fernando Carmona Jr. (66) run drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws a pass during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Jalen McMurray (16) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor (24) talks with teammates during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Dorian Mausi (54) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Dorian Mausi (54) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh works with his team during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Jalen McMurray (16) puts on his helmet during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
1/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
1/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
2/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyren Montgomery (19) signs autographs during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
3/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) signs autographs during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
4/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
5/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
6/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
7/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
8/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm (84) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
9/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
10/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh heads to the field during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
11/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) waves to fans during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
12/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the field for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
13/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the field for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
14/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the field for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
15/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
16/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
17/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans tight ends coach Luke Stocker during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
18/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
19/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
20/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) warms uo during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
21/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
22/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
23/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
24/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) breaks for water during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
25/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) warms up for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
26/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) warms up for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
27/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox (46) gets ready for the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
28/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
29/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
30/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
31/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws a pass during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
32/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
33/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
34/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) and guard Fernando Carmona Jr. (66) run drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
35/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws a pass during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
36/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans cornerback Jalen McMurray (16) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
37/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor (24) talks with teammates during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
38/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
39/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans linebacker Dorian Mausi (54) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
40/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans linebacker Dorian Mausi (54) runs drills during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
41/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh works with his team during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
42/42
From Cam Ward to Carnell Tate to fans. Inside Titans best scrimmage photos
Tennessee Titans cornerback Jalen McMurray (16) puts on his helmet during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Cox is a Collierville native and played high school football at Evangelical Christian. He went on to walk on at Tennessee before later being put on scholarship.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
He and his wife, Lauren Cox, welcomed their fifth child in early August. Two days later, he left Memphis around 4:15 a.m. and drove to Titans training camp.
Fassel said he had punt rush drills waiting for him.
"I told (Cox) I got some rushes and I'm not throwing any softballs," Fassel said. "I know you just had the baby, but you know I'm coming."
Cox, listed at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, snapped, protected and covered nine reps. Fassel thought he looked like he was already in midseason form.
"Who is this guy," Fassel said.
He gauges his confidence through the power of the snap and how he handles live rushers, who are usually faster and stronger according to Cox, after releasing the ball.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"It takes a certain amount of un-athleticism to be a long snapper," Cox said.
He joked that he landed between positions growing up: too slow to be a full-time tight end but not quite strong enough to be a full-time lineman either. Long snapping gave him a chance to be on the field, so he took the opportunity.
Cox played offensive line and long snapped at ECS before playing for the VolsUniversity of Tennessee, helping kicker Daniel Lincoln earn Freshman All-SEC honors as a sophomore.
Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox (46) greets fans after the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
Reflecting on his training routine, he said there was never a long snapper tailored workout on a specific body part to enhance his longevity. He described his workouts as general, reaching every part of the body and even then, injuries would take precedent.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
He tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee during his rookie season with theBaltimore Ravens in 2010, then tore the ACL in his right knee while covering a punt four years later.
He left Baltimore after the 2020 season and has spent the past five seasons in Nashville. Two of those years paired Cox with one of the NFL's most accurate kickers,Nick Folk.
His longevity reminded Fassel of other veteran specialists he's coached at previous spots.
Specifically, punterShane Lechlerand kickerSebastian Janikowski, who Fassel coached with the Raiders from 2008-11. They told Fassel about anxiety they felt before the season, despite their NFL tenure.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Fassel said that feeling or nervousness meant they wanted to keep playing. If they didn't, it questioned whether their passion for the game would disappear too.
Cox told him he had similar feelings before that early August practice. Then he did what he always does, went to work.
"He's a fantastic competitor, and he still has that juice because he still has those nerves," Fassel said.
