When he came into the league, Bruce Irvin didn’t exactly have the reputation of being the most mature player. In fact, some felt he fell in the draft due to off-field concerns about his character. But the pass-rushing Irvin has come along way. Now, fresh off signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, Irvin seems not only willing but eager to act as a mentor for young players.
Welcome to the 7?0?4?, @BIrvin_WVU11! pic.twitter.com/yZnxKYZ6NU
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 19, 2019
He’s taken interest in one young Panther defensive lineman, in particular, one that while unproven so far has plenty of NFL pedigree.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting Bryan Cox (Jr.),” Irvin said.
Cox is the son of former All-Pro linebacker Bryan Cox Sr., who played for the Dolphins, Bears, Jets, Patriots, and Saints over a fantastic 12-year career.
The junior Cox spent last season on the Panthers’ practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent. Now he hopes to pick up a few tricks of the trade from Irvin, at least ones he hasn’t already learned from his dad.
Irvin has played eight seasons for the Seahawks, Raiders, and Falcons. He has a total of 43.5 sacks over that span with 277 total tackles (197 solo, 80 assisted). He also has three career interceptions which, kind of incredibly, he returned two for defensive touchdowns. The 31-year-old also has 15 forced fumbles for his career.
Specific financial details haven’t been fully disclosed by the team or Irvin’s camp, but it is expected to be in the $4 million neighborhood with an additional $1 million able to be earned through performance incentives.
