The recent revelation by Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, that she once dated her husband’s college backup quarterback to make him jealous has sparked intrigue among fans. While the identity of the backup in question remains a mystery, the media frenzy has inadvertently drawn attention to Joe Cox, a former Georgia quarterback-turned-Alabama coach.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Cox ventured further south to attend the University of Georgia in 2005, following an impressive high school football career at Independence High School, where he earned the title of Tar Heel State’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Kelly’s revelation sparked a media frenzy as fans tried to identify the backup quarterback in question.
Kelly previously made a statement about dating one of her husband’s backup players, but later clarified that it wasn’t Cox.
Cox’s arrival at the University of Georgia coincided with the recruitment of Stafford, which pushed Cox down the depth chart. During their time at Georgia, Stafford and Kelly Hall, a former cheerleader, began their college romance, marked by Kelly’s now-infamous dating story.
Regaining his starting position in 2009, Cox led the Bulldogs to an impressive 8-5 record and earned recognition as the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against Arkansas. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Cox embarked on a coaching career, first at Mallard Creek High School in his hometown, and then at the collegiate level.
The Staffords experienced a rocky start to their relationship during their college years but eventually found their happily ever after.
Cox (L) and Joe Tereshinski (R) were backup quarterbacks to Stafford at Georgia, but the true identity of the mystery player Kelly dated remains unknown.
Cox’s impressive high school career at Independence High School (NC) paved the way for his football journey.
Cox’s exceptional talent was recognized as he was named North Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior season.
Cox’s coaching career took him to Colorado State University, where he served as a graduate assistant and later as the tight end and wide receivers coach. During his tenure, the Rams’ offense flourished, achieving two of the top five scoring seasons and marks for total offense in the school’s history. In 2019, the team ranked 14th nationally in passing offense.
Cox’s success at Colorado State led him to the University of South Carolina, where he coached wide receivers for the 2020 season. In February 2022, he joined the prestigious Crimson Tide as Nick Saban’s tight ends coach.
Cox’s resilience paid off as he regained the starting quarterback role in 2009 after Stafford’s arrival at Georgia.
Cox’s coaching journey led him to Colorado State, South Carolina, and ultimately, Alabama.
Kelly extended a heartfelt apology to Cox and his wife, Erica, for the unintended media attention they received.
Cox married his wife, Erica, in March 2016, and they share a beautiful family with a daughter, Aver, and twin sons, Jace and Tate. In the midst of the media frenzy, Kelly took to Instagram to apologize to the couple for their unsolicited involvement in the controversy, acknowledging that they were a couple she and Matthew admired during their college years.
Kelly’s statement highlighted the strength of their relationship and expressed her admiration for the way they navigated the challenges of being a college quarterback and cheerleader couple.
The story of Joe Cox, from his successful high school and college football career to his coaching journey and family life, serves as a reminder that even those indirectly connected to the spotlight can find themselves unexpectedly in the media’s glare.