Mason Cox, the first American to establish himself as a regular player in the Australian Football League (AFL), has been delisted by Collingwood Football Club after an impressive 11-year tenure. The 34-year-old athlete, who played 139 games for the Magpies, announced his departure through a heartfelt video on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the club and its supporters.
“It’s crazy to think that you’d never heard of a sport … to then being a premiership player,” Cox reflected. “To the Collingwood supporters, the best supporters in the world … the feeling of having 100,000 people screaming USA at the MCG is something I’ll never take for granted. A massive thank you for all the support throughout my 11 years at the Collingwood Football Club – I’m super proud and honoured.”
The towering 211cm ruck-forward did not specify whether he plans to retire or seek opportunities with another club, but he expressed excitement about future prospects. Cox’s journey from a college basketball player to an AFL premiership winner is a testament to his adaptability and determination.
A Remarkable Journey from the USA to the AFL
Cox’s AFL career began in 2014 when he was signed by Collingwood as an international rookie after showcasing his potential at combines in Los Angeles and Australia. His debut came on Anzac Day in 2016, where he made an immediate impact by scoring the first goal of the game in front of a crowd of 85,082 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Initially playing just 20 games over his first two seasons, Cox became a fixture in the team by 2018. That year, he delivered one of the most memorable performances in a preliminary final, leading Collingwood to the premiership decider with a stunning effort against the heavily favored Richmond.
From Rookie to Premiership Player
Despite the Magpies’ narrow loss to West Coast in the 2018 grand final, Cox’s journey came full circle in 2023 when Collingwood triumphed over the Brisbane Lions, securing his status as a premiership player. His contributions to the team were not only on the field; in 2022, he became an Australian citizen during a ceremony at the MCG, further solidifying his bond with the country and its football community.
Throughout his career, Cox faced numerous challenges, including a serious eye injury that required him to wear protective goggles during his final seasons. Despite these setbacks, he managed to score a total of 127 goals for Collingwood, playing 10 games in the 2025 season, including both finals.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Cox’s departure from Collingwood marks the end of an era for both the player and the club. His unique journey has inspired many, highlighting the global reach of the AFL and the potential for international athletes to succeed in the league. As Cox looks forward to the next chapter of his career, whether within the AFL or beyond, his legacy as a trailblazer remains intact.
Meanwhile, Collingwood will need to fill the void left by Cox’s departure, both in terms of his on-field presence and his role as a cultural ambassador for the club. The team’s management and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the Magpies adapt and evolve in the coming seasons.
The announcement comes as the AFL continues to expand its international footprint, with Cox’s story serving as a powerful example of the opportunities available to athletes worldwide. As the league grows, the potential for more international players to make their mark on Australian football becomes increasingly likely.
For Mason Cox, the journey from the United States to the pinnacle of Australian sport has been extraordinary. As he bids farewell to Collingwood, the future holds new possibilities, and his impact on the AFL will be remembered for years to come.
