Marques Cox

Marques Cox
No. 70 – Denver Broncos
PositionOffensive tackle
Roster statusActive
Personal information
Born (1999-12-28) December 28, 1999
Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight312 lb (142 kg)
Career information
High schoolPeoria (Peoria, Illinois)
CollegeNorthern Illinois (2018–2022)
Kentucky (2023–2024)
NFL draft2025: undrafted
Career history
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Marques Cox (/ˈmɑːrkəs/ MAR-kuss; born December 28, 1999)[1] is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Kentucky Wildcats. Cox was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

Early life

Cox was born on December 28, 1999, in Peoria, Illinois to Gregory and Ruthie Cox.[2] Playing on both the offensive and defensive lines at Peoria High School, Cox started on an offense that scored a record 805 points, while also totaling 73 tackles, 13 sacks, an interception, and a blocked field goal.[2] He subsequently earned All-State honors.[2] Cox also participated in wrestling tournaments in high school.[3]

College career

Northern Illinois

Cox redshirted during his first year at Northern Illinois, not participating in any games.[2] In 2019, he played in all 12 games at left tackle and on special teams, starting in 10.[2] In a COVID-shortened 2020 season, Cox started in all six games.[2] In 2021, the NIU offensive line that Cox started 14 games on gave up a total of just 10 sacks in 14 games, the second-least in the country that year.[2] Ahead of the 2022 season, Cox had started in 29 consecutive games at left tackle.[4] He started in four games before suffering a season-ending injury in a game against Kentucky.[1]

Kentucky

Prior to the 2023 season, Cox transferred to Kentucky, reuniting with former high school teammate Courtland Ford.[5] In 2023, he started in all 13 games.[1] As a senior in 2024, Cox starting in all 12 games and led the team in pancake blocks.[1]

Professional career

Denver Broncos (first stint)

After going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft, Cox signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2025.[6] He was waived on August 27 as a part of final preseason roster cuts.[7] On October 21, he was re-signed to the practice squad.[8] On November 11, he was waived from the practice squad, but was later signed back on November 24.[9][10] On December 9, he was released from the practice squad.[11]

Arizona Cardinals

On December 16, 2025, Cox was signed to the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad.[12] On January 12, 2026, following the end of the Cardinals' season, Cox's practice squad contract expired and he became a free agent.[13]

Denver Broncos (second stint)

On January 29, 2026, Cox signed a reserve/futures contract with the Broncos.[14]

Personal life

Cox has two brothers, Maurice and Martez.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Marques Cox". UK Athletics. 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Marques Cox - Football". NIU Athletics. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  3. ^ Morris, Stan (2018-02-17). "They said it: IHSA state wrestling edition". Peoria Journal Star. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
  4. ^ "NIU Football Position Preview: Offensive Line". NIU Athletics. 2022-08-03. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
  5. ^ Eminian, Dave (2023-10-17). "Kentucky football: Two Peoria natives on UK Wildcats offensive line". Peoria Journal Star. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
  6. ^ Klis, Mike (2025-04-27). "Here are Broncos' 15 undrafted rookies". KUSA.com. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  7. ^ Heath, Jon (2025-08-27). "Full list of 38 moves Broncos made to get down to 53-man roster". Broncos Wire. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  8. ^ Kelberman, Zack (2025-10-22). "Report: Broncos Make Two OL Moves Ahead of Week 8". Denver Broncos On SI. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  9. ^ Heath, Jon (2025-11-11). "Broncos cut offensive lineman from practice squad". Broncos Wire. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  10. ^ Kelberman, Zack (2025-11-25). "Report: Broncos Bring Back Rookie Offensive Tackle". Denver Broncos On SI. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  11. ^ DiLalla, Aric (2025-12-09). "Broncos sign RB Sincere McCormick, WR Kyrese Rowan to practice squad". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  12. ^ Weinfuss, Josh (2025-12-16). "Cardinals put RB Bam Knight (ankle) on IR, ending his season". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  13. ^ Druin, Donnie (2026-01-12). "These 8 Cardinals Just Became Free Agents". Arizona Cardinals On SI. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  14. ^ DiLalla, Aric (2026-01-29). "Broncos sign 4 players to future contracts". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
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