cox was drafted by the dolphins in the fifth round of the 1991 nfl draft, chosen 113th overall. as a rookie, cox started 13 games as the dolphins right outside linebacker, racking up a total of 61 tackles along with two sacks. miami finished out the season 8-8. in his sophomore campaign, cox blossomed and helped lead the dolphins to an 11-5 record and the afc championship game. he made his first pro bowl and was named to the all pro team after recording 127 tackles, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles. miami switched to a 4-3 defense in 1993 and cox was moved to right linebacker. the team started out 9-2, but lost their last five to miss the playoffs. cox again led the team with 122 tackles, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. he also collected five sacks and an interception.