Texas man Mason Cox becomes unlikely Australian rules football star | 60 Minutes 

It's so funny that you can hear him starting to lose his American accent after being there for nearly a decade.

As an avid AFL fan from Australia I'll never EVER forget that prelim final in 2018 against my Richmond Tigers where he single handedly tore our defence to shreds. We couldn't stop him, there were no answers. From 2017 to 2020 my tiger's won 3 premierships 17, 19 & 20 and won a minor premiership in 18 (finishing first on the ladder) we were the envy of the competition but boy did he do an absolute number on us. Very much a success story as an American coming into a very very foriegn sport and being relatively good at it, i know theres alot of Aussie's in the NFL and NBA but an American in the AFL was laughed at initially but he has definitely made his mark here and millions of AFL fans across Australia know who Mason Cox is. The sport that almost took his vision away yet he stuck strong through thick and thin, through all the heckling and doubt and proved everyone wrong and for that i have a massive respect for the big fella and wish him all the best when he decides to hang up his boots. Hopefully he can open an academy to show Americans our unique and wonderful sport and see if we can get a few more of our brothers across the ocean to play our game i would love to see what amazing talent he could discover (and send one to Richmond for knocking us out of the grand final 😉) haha

I'm a Texan, who throughout life has traveled the world and therefore watches and enjoys European Football, Aussie Rules Football, and even Cricket. There's so much passion in these sports, from the players and the fans.

What a fantastic story. What it doesn't cover is that Mason's two brothers, Austin and Nolan, both play locally in the USAFL! We have a whole league of 50 teams and more than 2000 players, mostly American!

As a german being a Magpies supporter since 1985 (yes, we have had VFL and AFL on our sports TV here) I followed Masons story from the first time it appeared on media. Not our best player in recent years, but for sure a great story and a great guy.

Mason Cox, whom I've never met, has fulfilled a dream I once had back in the 1980s when I started watching Australian Football on ESPN when I was 14 years old. That was 1983 and, having just moved to Central New York State at the time from Northern New Jersey, away from the only friends I had, into this nearly barren country setting in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, completely dazed and confused, I found myself watching a lot of footy and seeing Peter Landy every week. There was no outlet for Aussie Rules at the time. It was hard enough trying to find outlets for soccer which I did play, and eventually got into the founding group which put soccer on the map in Ilion, NY. But with that I leveraged it to push playing Aussie Rules with the team after practice and pick-up games at the local fields. Surprisingly, it caught on and we had a blast with it. But after we all graduated high school, it all came to an end. It wasn't until the end of the 1990s, when I moved to Orange County, CA after finishing up my Army stint, that I was put in touch with the OC Aussie Rules team, The Orange County Bombers, and they graciously welcomed me to join them. Back then, retired VFL/AFL players would join in the action and it was a great honor to have Paul Roos spend time with us and coach us up. Great man, wonderful personality, just a fantastic ambassador for introducing the sport in the USA to grassroots footy players. I remembered him well from his Fitzroy playing days. Back in the days of GeoCities family websites, I had one dedicated to "My Footy Journey" which actually got attention from the AFL and I was featured in a news article in 1999 which talked about that journey. I basically said, at the time, if I was 10 years younger, I'd push to go to Australia, perhaps as an exchange student, and try out footy that way. But just having the chance to play in Southern California was a fulfilling experience. Fast forward 15 years, and seeing Mason Cox playing for Collingwood, and all that passion I had as a youngster started bubbling up again. I won't say I live vicariously through him, but his story inspires me greatly and I am so happy and proud of everything he has given to achieve what he has, thus far, in his journey. Perhaps as soon as this weekend, the journey will continue as he returns from his spleen surgery. Wishing him a safe and successful return and a return to health for all the injured Magpies who are ready to build on their outstanding start of season 2023. Peace!

Cox keeps getting better and is a match winner on his day. And every day he is a great ambassador for AFL. Thanks for this story.

I was one of those kids watching a fledgling ESPN showing AFL games and I absolutely loved it. Great sport.

Always have had a soft spot for Aussie Rules since seeing the sport as a youngster on ESPN in the 80s. Props to Mason Cox for breaking through and respect to the Aussies for their great game.

I heard about this man's journey/story through my mom. ESPN and Sports Illustrated are both WRONG for not mentioning him or even running a segment on him. Incredible story, 1 in a billion. He's not in the USAToday, or the New York Times even. He should be...What are the odds?? His story reminds me a little bit of Kurt Warner's unlikely journey to the NFL to Super Bowl Champion. Thank you 60 minutes for being the ONLY media outlet to cover his story.

Love that you did this story! Mason has such an interesting story for sure! More Americans should follow this game. Learning about Mason turned me onto AFL and its such a great game! As they say in Australia...Good on ya Coxy!

As a Collingwood supporter, 'Coxy' is a big deal for the team, and a good global ambassador for the sport of AFL as a whole... and yep, I can definitely relate to being a fish out of water as an Aussie living in Prague. Great story, thanks 60 Minutes

A Texan with kinda an Aussie accent, AWESOME…. Sure he plays for Collingwood but I want him on my Hawthorn team…. Don’t tell my friends but I am a huge fan of a Collingwood player…

A great bloke and a great advocate for the game of Aussie Rules.

I saw a clip of one of Cox’s first games for the Magpies (the “Pies” to their fans). After a goal, the announcer said, “Collingwood fans haven’t enjoyed American pie this much since Stiffler and his mom.”

His accent is a little unique, I can hear a bit of Aussie in it

I am of that generation that discovered the AFL on ESPN in the 80s and was crushed when they stopped showing it. Imagine my joy when I discovered it was on Fox Sports on that ANZAC Day when Mason debuted.

I love Mason, so glad he came to my club and stayed when it looked like he was done. Love him USA!!!!

It's always fun watching Mason play, He's a great player

Man Australians have to be the best people to meet, so likeable.

He seems such a lovely guy enjoying his life, best of luck you deserve it!

Started watching when they played during COVID and would wake up to watch some matches. Go Pies!

What an awesome story. Just smiles all around.

He has a mixture of an Aussie and American accent. I’m not into the sport but I respect the him

The AFL gets me thru the NFL off-season for yrs now. I love it. It is even easier to watch these past few yrs their AFL app is great. I highly recommend it. I could see more American kids playing it.

I went from the US to Melbourne for 3 years in 1970 and played a bit of Aussie Rules Footie. I did not know the rules and made alot of mistakes, like tackling someone when I should not, but the Aussies were pretty mellow about it. Loved the country. People are great.

Good on you mason. As a massive afl and Collingwood fan it needs to be said this talk of him being a ‘star’ is a bit media word play as he has been a fringe player at best his whole career, but to be in the league at all from his position is a huge result. He has got better every year and is now an important piece to the team. Hope he has a few years left in him

Super cool story! Mason is definitely one of my favorite athletes in the world!

I remember those days for espn.., a lot of Aussie rules, and Canadian Football.

Greatest game most Americans have never heard of 🙌🏼

i remember when i fell in love with footie, u.s.navy, in a bar in perth and then on the tv (like him) came the AFL's greatest hits, been hooked ever since

As a Crows fan I want to hate Mason Cox, but damn it, he's just so likable! I'm also an Aussie living in America, so I know how he feels being a fish out of water sometimes. Solid effort Mason, keep up the good work mate.

When I first got ESPN way back in 1981 which featured then-VFL (the premier league in the state of Victoria where most AFL teams are based) games, I fell in love with Aussie Rules when I was in high school. Before it went nationwide in 1990, each Australian state had it own Aussie rules league and the players were semi-pros. But even back then, the VFL was considered the "Division I" of footy.

With a name like Mason Cox, the Aussies were always going to love this man.

American here that LOVES AFL.

I dont remember the last time I watched 60 minutes and i have never watched Aussie football. But this was a great story.

Top guy, with an amazing story.

As an Aussie who has played football... Mason is a gun ... His learned to play the hardest sport in the world ... 10 k for cardio , bash and crash strength, hand and feet coordination with the ball ... You legend mate ..

It’s a really fascinating sport. when I first stumbled across it on TV about 15 years ago, I kind of couldn’t believe my eyes that such a sport existed Plus that there were huge crowds watching it.

As a rugby league fan, AFL is so lucky to have an ambassador like Mason! I don't think the NRL will see an American covert anytime soon

What a player! Great story!

Love it and I've been watching the Pies for a long time and we get Mason, So over here in Oklahoma I'll be watching the game at Midnight !!!!!!! Go Pies !!!!!!!

In one sense Aussie Rules and American Football have 2 things in common. Violence and rules no one outside the country understands. As an American I have dabbled into Aussie Rules and Rugby and they seem so fun. If I lived in a nation where those sports were popular and widely available I probably would have played it instead of American Football.

I've heard of the sport and seen clips but that's it. Knowing there's an American that seems to be good at the sport and has an interesting story makes me wanna watch a game now.

My favorite Collingwood player, 2018 was his peak. I hope he makes it to 100 games.

Been watching footy for years and it's so hard to find fans in the states. Thanks for this interview

He knows how to play soccer, basketball and chose to play AFL for his career. This guy is something else

masons accent is CRAzYYY. the marcus smart segment was super cool, sweet guy.

So, I'm an American who played American football at a reasonably high level. I've known about Aussie Rules football for a while now, but had never really watched anything on it. Within seconds of seeing this game, I thought "this looks effing awesome." Cox's hybrid Aussie-American accent is amazing too. I don't know what it is about kicking the ball through the uprights from the side of the field that gets me so excited, but damn I wish they'd allow that (for more points) in the NFL

I totally get his struggle adapting to a new sport when playing against guys who’ve grown up with it. I took up hurling and Gaelic football at 25. I grew up playing ice hockey and baseball.

What a great story.. 60 minutes never disappoints

We are lucky to have "Mase" here playing our game. A fine man. All the best to him.

Inspirational❤

Brilliant Sports Story! Well Done Mate 👍

A lot of Irish players have taken the leap to AFL from our national sport Gaelic football. It is cool to see an American do it as well.

And yesterday he won his first AFL Premiership.

Going to have to check out this game

“Why in the name of Waltzing Matilda…” I’m sorry, that made me laugh for some reason. Anyway, it’s a fantastic sport that deserves more attention in the US. One of the best sports in the world.

we see ozzie played in mlb and nba before, it is good to see the american plays in afl

Australian commentators are the best in the world

I finally am knowing about the sport's rules.Thanks, American 60 minutes for doing this story.The guy even knew a future NBA player.Shares my name too.Hope he see better.Yes he really adopted the speech.

do they still do that combine, in the states ? collegiate athletes looking to keep playing may want to take a look

He really did pick up a bit of an Australian accent.

And he now has a championship 🎉 Well Deserved🎉 Congrats Collingwood!

Just won a premiership with the most famous in club in Australia. Congrats Mason!

this dudes accent is all over the place

Seeing Marcus smart in this video was a big shock

I’ve loved AFL since I first saw it in the late 80’s. Been a Collingwood Barracker since. Excited wasn’t the word I had when Coxzilla came to the Pies. An American playing for the biggest club there is. Words can’t describe it for me. And here we sit on Grand Final Day. The Pies are in it, side by side they’ll stick together!

And now he’s a premiership player. Unreal story!

In the 80s before football practice, we used to play Aussie Rules from watching it on ESPN. It was either Footie or Rodeo since that is all ESPN had.

The accent is hilarious

Saw Mason Cox on the Pat McAfee Show when Pat started watching AFL when COVID basically put a halt to most live sporting events. Mason said back then that his goal was to play 100 games in the AFL. He stands 3 games away from hitting his dream.

I’m a Collingwood FC fan in Dallas & had no idea he was from BigD. Cheers, Captain America!!

I haven't heard such a strong adopted accent like this since Madonna moved to England. As a linguistics professional I can definitively say that when an adult begin speaking with new accents, its a conscious effort. We develop our accents by exposure to our environments and this begins at an adolescent age and is fully developed and adopted by 12-years of age at the latest. Being that Mr. Cox is 32 years old and taking into account he was raised in an area of America that already has a very distinctive accent compared to other regions in America, his Aussi accent is a very noticeable addition. Great athlete though!

FS1 plays AFL games live now. However, that airs at like 1 am EST. That's the real reason it hasn't caught on here in the States, it's on too late (or way too early depending on your point of view). Can't exactly head to the local bar and watch a full match when the game comes on at last call or have your mates come over to watch well into the early morning. And with the internet being a thing you can't really have a broadcast delay for a time more suitable for viewing in the States as the results would be spoiled by then. I don't know if the AFL has any streaming available, but that still means you'll be up all night to watch one fixture so I hope you don't have anything to do in the morning that requires your full, well rested, attention. I love the sport and will watch it when I can though! AUSSIE RULES RULE!

I was an exchange student from the USA to Australia in highschool. When I learned about AFL I thought "This sport would be so popular in America. I wish we had ways of watching it without the timezone difference.

I remember his debut with Collingwood on ANZAC Day and his first kick was a goal. Today he starred at the MCG against GWS in his 99th game and was arguably best on ground. Best of luck next week for game 100 with a sell out crowd against traditional rivals, Carlton. Go Pies!!!

As an [Southeastern-accent] aussie myself, I identify with the protagonist in this clip

I knew it was a thing (friend from Australia), and I knew Oklahoma State basketball (covered them as a Texas Tech student reporter), but it's fascinating how Aussie rules found a way to make a legit star from a marginal college hoops career. Loved this story, good insight.

In the 90s, these games were shown in the US on the regional Fox Sports channels (ie Fox Sports Southwest etc).

Australians and Texans are pretty much cousins so it makes a lot of sense he’d fit right in.

As an American Swans fan, I am glad that hes getting American coverage! I think there are a few Americans in the lower leagues, but we need to be filtering in the NCAA football and basketball players who cant make it to the next level and are good athletes

The AFL really needs a better tv streaming in the States. I started watching in 2017. Unfortunately I decided to pull for Essendon. So I definitely haven’t seen them win championships in a bit

I became a Hawker while watching a live game between Hawthorn and Essendon in April of 1984. I'm looking at that game they show at 7:00, wondering if that's the one that roped me in. We beat the Dons _three_ times that year except when it mattered most ... in the Grand Final. 😕

AFL truly spoils you for other sports. I only watch soccer if footy is unavailable. FS1 and FS2 have started showing some games live - it'll win you over in one game.

This reminds me of Gaelic football. I can definitely see it’s influences on the sport.

As UK fan of both Gridiron and Aussie rules football, it defintely does not make American football look soft.

This actually confirms my suspicion that if Aussie Rules Football gets popular in America, it would be a huge success.

Great story

Wish Aussie rules football was big in the USA looks like it would be such a fun game to play.

Yo FTB remember this guy?! Let’s gooooooooo!!!🖤💛🤟✌️

Good on ya mate!

Damn put me in contact with that scout

didja hear him take a second to slip back into an American accent!??? And the moments where he sound 100% Australian...so cool

Has copped a lot but has been great for growing the game.

This would make a great movie or tv series, I think.

0:13 again, you can praise one thing without disrespecting, knocking, ... sh*tting on the other.

LOL he has been there for quite a while - you CAN HEAR a bit of the Aussie twang in his speech.

Even if you dont know whats happening Aussie Rules is fun to watch cause there is a lot going on in one game...the plays the fights the crowds 😅

Being a Station Agent is the biggest racket