#2 David Cox
A 4-year veteran of minor league football, David was a stalwart at
linebacker over the course of his career. As a rookie (2003) with the
NAFL’s Rivertown Rams, David made an immediate impact as a
starting Defensive End, before eventually finding a home at Linebacker.
The following season, he captained a very young defensive corps (for
the first-year Grand Rapids Thunder) to within a very controversial
call of the MLFA’s Eastern Conference Championship. Even though the
2004 season stretched deep into a Playoff run, the defining moment of
David’s selflessness “WE not ME” attitude was exhibited in a pre-
season contest with cross-town rival Rivertown. In a 7-7 tie at Grand
Rapids Northview, an under-manned Thunder team asked David to
play Offensive Center (a position he’d not practiced in over 9 years).
Without hesitation, David played both ways, leaving everything he had
on the field. His courage and character have never been questions, but
on that day, they had never been more evident. For his efforts at
Middle Linebacker, David was named a starter in the MLFA All-Star
game, helping the East claim a victory in St.Louis, MO.
It was during the Thunder's sophomore pre-season camp that David
was diagnosed with melanoma. A biopsy (and subsequent skin graph)
forced an end to his 2005 season, but determined to return to the
gridiron, David overcame a grueling rehabilitation regimen to earn a
roster spot with the 2006 Southwest Michigan Punishers. Again, David
was asked to play out-of-position, and this time saw significant action
as a Tight End. A prep-school offensive linemen, David had never
“touched the ball in a game” until his first two pass receptions came in
Detroit, against the Metro Detroit Saints. Perhaps the greatest
testament to his valor is the fact that David lost his battle with cancer a
mere five-and-a-half months after playing in his final game, ironically,
against the team he helped establish, the Grand Rapids Thunder.
DCox; you were an outstanding teammate, a quiet leader, and without
a doubt the best kind of friend to have in any situation. You continually
put others' wants and needs before your own, and as we BLAZE this
trail in your honor, we hope we represent you well. Thank you,
brother, you are forever missed.
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