Yes, Kenneth Gainwell and Fletcher Cox are cousins who share a deep family bond, a proud Mississippi upbringing, and athletic success.
This blood relation connects two remarkable athletes who grew up in Yazoo County and eventually shared an NFL locker room in Philadelphia.
While they represent different generations of football talent, their shared lineage created a unique mentorship dynamic on the professional stage.
From family reunions in Yazoo City to the turf of the Super Bowl, their relationship is a testament to family loyalty. Here is the complete story behind this remarkable NFL family connection and their joint journey.
Yazoo County Roots: Upbringing of Kenneth Gainwell and Fletcher Cox Cousins
Growing up in a tight-knit Southern community shaped both of these future football stars, instilling a strong work ethic that would carry them from Mississippi fields to professional stadiums.
Growing Up with a Yazoo County Family Connection
The cousins spent their early years in Yazoo City, Mississippi, but their daily lives followed different paths. Gainwell worked hard on local family farms, learning the value of physical labor.
Meanwhile, Cox spent his youth working on vehicles in his older brother’s auto shop, building mechanical skills and physical strength. These unique upbringings laid the foundation for their future professional careers.
High School Rivalry in Yazoo City
Despite their close family bond, the cousins attended rival high schools separated by only eight miles. Cox excelled as a dominant defensive tackle at Yazoo City High School, attracting national attention.
Eight miles away, Gainwell played quarterback at Yazoo County High School, putting up stellar performances that earned him Mississippi’s prestigious ‘Mr. Football’ honors.
This local athletic rivalry set both players on trajectories toward major collegiate programs.
The Nine-Year Age Difference and Mississippi Reunions
A nine-year age gap separated the two cousins. Because Cox was already leaving for college as Gainwell was just starting high school, they never had the chance to play youth sports together.
Instead, they stayed connected through large family reunions and holiday gatherings in Mississippi, which kept their personal relationship strong until they eventually crossed paths in professional football.
Shared NFL Careers: Are Kenneth Gainwell and Fletcher Cox Cousins?
Their family bond was thrust into the national spotlight when they became professional teammates in Pennsylvania, turning their private kinship into a high-profile athletic partnership.
The Emotional Draft Day Phone Call
When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Gainwell in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, general manager Howie Roseman immediately asked the young running back if he was ready to play alongside his cousin.
Later that afternoon, Cox phoned Gainwell to congratulate him, warmly declaring it was finally ‘time to go to work’. This memorable interaction marked the official start of their professional journey together.
Philadelphia Eagles Teammates in the Locker Room
The cousins spent three seasons (2021–2023) sharing a locker room in Philadelphia. During this time, Cox took on a vital role as a protective veteran mentor, serving as a reliable ‘big brother’ figure.
This familial guidance proved invaluable as Gainwell adjusted to the rigorous demands of professional football, helping him mature both on and off the field under the watchful eye of an established league veteran.
The Super Bowl LVII Run Together
A major highlight of their time together came during the 2022–2023 season, when both cousins played pivotal roles for the Eagles. Their combined efforts on offense and defense helped guide Philadelphia to an appearance in Super Bowl LVII.
Reaching the pinnacle of professional football alongside a family member made the achievement even more meaningful, reinforcing their legacy as one of Yazoo County’s most successful athletic families.
Protective Mentorship on the Professional Stage
Having a family member in the same professional locker room provided stability in a fast-paced environment. Cox helped protect Gainwell from rookie mistakes, offering advice on recovery, film study, and managing expectations.
This deep level of trust allowed Gainwell to play with confidence, knowing his cousin always had his back on the sidelines and in the huddle.
Diverging Paths of the Philadelphia Eagles Teammates
After three memorable years as teammates in Philadelphia, the cousins embarked on very different professional paths, defining their individual legacies through retirement and new team signings.
Fletcher Cox and Drag Racing Post-Retirement
Fletcher Cox officially retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, ending an illustrious 12-year career spent entirely with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As a Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowler, Cox established himself as one of the finest defensive players of his generation.
Following his retirement, Cox transitioned to a brand-new professional endeavor, competing passionately in professional drag racing.
Kenneth Gainwell and his Breakout Pittsburgh Steelers Season
After playing for Philadelphia through 2024, Gainwell had a breakout 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won Team MVP honors.
This milestone demonstrated his elite capabilities as a starting-caliber running back, showing that he could excel independently outside of the Philadelphia system. His versatility in Pittsburgh caught the attention of franchises across the league.
Kenneth Gainwell and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Looking to build on his outstanding momentum, Gainwell signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2026 season.
This transition represents the next chapter in his professional football career, as he seeks to solidify his status as a premiere running back in the league.
Fans are excited to see how his dynamic running style elevates the Buccaneers’ offensive strategy.
Career Paths at a Glance
| Player Name | NFL Status & Current Activity | Primary Career Notes & Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Fletcher Cox | Retired (Following 2023 season) | Played 12 years with Philadelphia; Super Bowl champion; 6-time Pro Bowler; currently drag races. |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Active (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | Drafted in 2021; Steelers Team MVP in 2025; signed with Tampa Bay for the 2026 season. |
Common Questions About the Cox and Gainwell Family Connection
Are Kenneth Gainwell and Fletcher Cox cousins?
Yes, Kenneth Gainwell and Fletcher Cox are blood-related cousins who grew up in Yazoo County, Mississippi. They shared a deep personal connection and eventually played together for three seasons on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Did the cousins play high school football together?
No, they did not. Because of a nine-year age gap, Cox was already leaving for college when Gainwell was entering high school. They attended rival high schools—Yazoo City and Yazoo County—separated by only eight miles.
When did they play together on the Philadelphia Eagles?
They shared the Philadelphia locker room for three consecutive seasons, from 2021 (when Gainwell was drafted in the fifth round) until Cox retired following the 2023 season.
Did they play in a Super Bowl together?
Yes. Both cousins played pivotal roles for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022–2023 season, helping guide the team to an appearance in Super Bowl LVII.
What is Fletcher Cox doing after retiring from the NFL?
After an outstanding 12-year career spent entirely with the Eagles, the six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion retired and now competes professionally in drag racing.
Conclusion: The Enduring Yazoo County Legacy
The shared journey of these Yazoo County cousins shows how family support can anchor professional athletic success.
From childhood gatherings in Mississippi to sharing the Philadelphia Eagles locker room as teammates, their bond stood the test of time. Under Cox’s veteran mentorship, the cousins even helped guide the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII.
Now, as Cox transitions into professional drag racing and Gainwell prepares for his 2026 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their achievements highlight the talent emerging from their hometown. Their unique story leaves a lasting legacy of family loyalty in the NFL.
