Injury Irony: Marques Cox took unusual path to Kentucky

Marques Cox might not be at Kentucky if his 2022 season did not end at Kentucky. In a strange twist of fate, the talented left tackle has returned to the place that nearly derailed his career.

It’s difficult for the 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman to recall exactly how it happened. In just the fourth game of the season, the Northern Illinois athlete took a spill at Kroger Field that sidelined him for what could have been his best year of football.

“It fades in and out, but I do remember pulling. I hit a linebacker, No. 10 (Jacquez Jones). We had a collision and I don’t remember anything after that,” he recently told KSR. “We collided and somebody fell on my foot while it was in the ground trying to block him.”

When the dust settled he had torn ligaments in his foot between his big toe and the rest of his phalanges. The injury required surgery ending his season. Instead of moping, he’s rehabilitating, looking at life on the bright side.

“It’s definitely surreal, definitely an ironic moment, but at the same time every blessing comes in disguise. Maybe that was the blessing that got me here,” he said.

A three-year starter at Northern Illinois, he is expected to assume the same role as Kentucky’s left tackle after only allowing three sacks in his career. The plan is for Cox to be ready to roll at spring practice, but he’s not looking too far ahead.

“I’m feeling good, blessed to have an opportunity to come play for the Big Blue Wall and be a part of something special. Feeling good. I’m taking it day-by-day, doing what I can, whatever is necessary for me to get back. It’s a day-by-day process to figure out all the keys to get back healthy.”

Marques Cox Familiar with Turn-Arounds

It’s no secret that Kentucky’s offensive line struggled in 2022. The Wildcats had the worst pass-protection unit in Power Five football. The run-blocking wasn’t much better either. Turning it around may seem like a daunting task, but Marques Cox does not feel overwhelming pressure amid a transition from the MAC to the SEC.

“We play football. It’s a kids’ game so I try not to make it any bigger than what it is,” he said. “Football is football at the end of the day, the thing I love to do.”

He’s been around for the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Cox knows what it takes to climb that ladder. He started for a winless team in 2020. The following year Northern Illinois won nine games en route to a MAC Championship.

“Tough days don’t last, tough people do. I take that quote from high school wrestling. Being a part of the process and taking care of any little thing that I need to do to get right and our team to get right for next season, needs to be done.”

Feel the MACtion

Kentucky plays MAC schools every year. There have been multiple players transfer from Kentucky to MAC schools. Yet this was my first opportunity to speak with someone who has played in some of my favorite football games to watch in the late fall, Tuesday and Wednesday night MACtion. Ground zero for chaos in cold, half-empty stadiums, Marques Cox shared the biggest challenge in preparing for those games.

“It definitely was difficult. You had to go to class, so going to class by 12, then you’re done and trying to get ready for the game,” he recalled. “Luckily I had all online classes so I was straight regardless, but at the same time, I didn’t mind it. The weirdest part was getting up the next day for class, but at the same time, it’s football.”

It is football. What’s not to love about that?