Defensive line coach Jim Washburn shared the story of what happened last August 3 when defensive tackle Mike Patterson suffered a seizure on the practice field during Training Camp to his players.
The story left an impression on first-round pick Fletcher Cox, who already knew a lot was going to be expected of him in 2012.
"We're keeping Mike in our prayers," Cox said on Monday. "Hopefully, he'll get back on the field as soon as possible."
Now, Cox will have to take his game to another level as head coach Andy Reid announced on Sunday that Patterson will miss Training Camp. Patterson's skull is continuing to heal from offseason brain surgery that was a result of the seizure.
"It's an opportunity for me," Cox said. "There's always a lot of pressure on first-round picks. They expect a lot out of them."
Cox explained that the biggest transition during the Organized Team Activities in the spring was adjusting to the speed of the game. Even though the former Mississippi State star is going against a tougher level of competition, Cox knows that at the end of the day "it's still football."
Nonetheless, Cox doesn't think a starting job will simply be handed to him.
"I have to go out and compete," Cox said. "I don't think anything is going to be given to me."
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