Ralph Cox: Last Player Cut From the 1980 Team

Ralph Cox, the last man cut from the 1980 team, remembers the emotional meeting where Herb Brooks gave him the news. "I said I really have a funny feeling about this team, that you're going to have a real shot at a medal. I think you can really win the gold medal," Cox told Brooks. Cox and Brooks would share a strange connection: Brooks had, himself, been the last man cut from the 1960 Olympic team that won a gold medal. The two men later worked together with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 'Miracle on Ice' refers to the 1980 US Olympic hockey team's defeat of the Soviet Union on February 22nd and their winning Gold medal game against Finland two days later led by Coach Herb Brooks.

[@robfloyd7389]

"I'm Ralph Cox...I'm from wherever's not gonna get me hit..."

[@TimHPop776]

Love that line! 😆👍

[@spinner9057]

"You're not still talking about the 76 playoffs, I mean c'mon OC, that was like three years ago"

[@hoyasaxa215]

Ralph Cox and Herb Brooks remained on good terms through the years. In fact, Ralph Cox attends reunions with the 1980 team and maintains a close relationship with his former teammates. Craig Patrick and Ralph Cox won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early 90s.

[@pendafen7405]

they're a family😢

[@spinner9057]

You don't always get every storybook ending you hope for, but if you create more storybook memories, you can see the storybook benefits in the end.

[@michaelsica8839]

Greatest gold medal you can earn is one for a life well lived, and with dignity. Ralph Cox come get your medal.

[@lighthouse44]

Very well said.

[@Mark-wy3kn]

He does deserve a medal! That Russian team was the Best hockey team I've ever seen, and Herb Brooks molded the team we needed to win it all. Greatest Gold Medal Ever!!!

[@silent_majorityusaf8858]

Could not agree more and Very well said my friend

[@bazmitch2530]

👏👏👏

[@tomblack9202]

I had the pleasure of working with Ralph in the early 1990’s. I can validate all the comments about Ralph being a class act.

[@atarahchomah1463]

With the penguins? That’s my home team. Proud that Mr Cox was with the ‘Guins’! 🐧

[@KeithFroehlich07]

Ralph's name is on the Stanley Cup as a member of the Penguins front office in 1991-1992

[@conjandysecurity]

What a well spoken, class act. easy to see why Brooks had a tough time letting him go.

[@fvecc]

Ironic that Cox has become one of the more famous players from the team even though he didn't actually play in the Olympics. He deserves the attention. He handled the situation with class and dignity.

[@timesachangin2489]

That would never happen today.

[@Fireballfree]

“I’m not looking for the best players Craig, I’m looking for the right ones.”

[@KMK7355]

Fireball, That team basically had the best players on it.

[@jeffreyadams207]

Herbie hurt after cutting coxie

[@jeffreyadams207]

@@FireballfreeI want the guy that wouldn’t take the test!

[@ConcreteSurfer420]

poor Herb.....He knew the feeling of being cut from an Olympic Team all too well

[@kevaninthe4135]

At the last minute to.

[@Madmun357]

He really channelled that hurt of being cut into a good thing.

[@joked87isback]

A lot of people would have gotten down or mad. Ralph Cox took it like a man and even encouraged Herb and said what a great team they had and had confidence in his teammates and brothers even if he wasn't gonna be there. Great attitude and a real class act

[@tricorntom2254]

I really, really liked the movie Miracle. I watch it a couple times a year, when I feel like I need some encouragement, some tough love. But hearing Ralph Cox tell the story of how he got cut-- it was a lot more emotional for Herb Brooks than what they showed in the film. Indeed, Herb had been in Ralph Cox's shoes exactly twenty years earlier, which was also the last time Team USA had won the gold medal. What this does show is what a first class guy Ralph Cox was and is.

[@scottsullivan7129]

Me too!!!! I still watch it even though basketball is my favorite sport but this is my favorite sports movie ever!!!!!😄😃😀

[@bbj19631]

I heard the line in the movie, you're a hell of a hockey player Ralph and this doesn't change that!

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

So good that he got CUT!

[@JayLewisNYR1994]

@@raygordonteacheschess5501 and never made the NHL as a player

[@Ryan-nv2wp]

Lot better then the 2 morons talking shit on him here

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

@@Ryan-nv2wp People talk so tough behind their monitors it's amazing.

[@Ryan-nv2wp]

Ray Gordon Teaches Chess yea kinda like the way your talking. This guy was a phenomenal hockey player at UNSC I think it was I wanna see u make a hockey. I want you to play hockey on the second or third highest level before you talk shit on one of the must humble men an I think I ever seen

[@SARDiverDave]

So glad he's had a good life. Watching him get cut in the movie "Miracle" is heart wrenching.

[@ostop89]

As a Canadian the miracle on ice story will forever be the greatest underdog sports story ever...in my opinion

[@TheSilentbanker6]

Im Canadian also. This transcends nations

[@PFforever1]

As a UNH graduate, I take great pride in the fact that Ralph Cox was a phenomenal hockey player whom represented UNH in the most professional of manners. Thank you, Ralph...

[@youngsey]

We will always love you Ralph Cox.

[@collinrust2641]

Class act

[@goleafsgo8496]

Aw man being the last cut would absolutely suck beyond all belief. Especially after the success that the team ultimately would meet. Congrats to Ralph a real man in the way he speaks about this difficult time in his early life. Never bashes the legend of Herb or the quality of the members that made the team.

[@KMK7355]

Cox suffered a leg injury that cost him his spot. He was actually more productive than at least 3-4 of the forwards who made the team before his injury.

[@Russell_Huston]

What a class guy. Ralph Cox.....and Herb.

[@richardlorith8256]

What class and dignity Ralph Cox has shown when lesser men would have been bitter and angry

[@CanesGunners]

Go canes

[@chriswells506]

This is what "being comfortable in your own skin" looks like. Class act.

[@robertdurant7934]

When Kurt (as Herb) is sitting on his couch on Christmas Eve while the team is playing football in the snow and you watch Kurt you just know he’s thinking about the fact he’s going to have to cut Ralph Cox and he doesn’t want to do it but he didn’t have a choice. The film did a good job setting things up when the team was being picked and Herb tells the team he would only be their coach and not their friends because he knew when that moment came that he had to let Ralph go it would be one of the hardest moments ever as a coach.

[@dougbodenhamer9391]

Classy, classy man. Great story. How hard that decision was for both men.

[@davidfitzgerald3653]

Thats a man right there.

[@johnyates9271]

I was born and raised in Lake Placid. I was 11 years old in 1980 and played in the Lake Placid youth hockey program. During the Olympics we had the whole time off from school and snuck into many games including the final gold medal game against Finland, whom had many stars including Yari Kurri. We idolized all those players including Ralph Cox and we even played a bunch of games on the Olympic rink which looked huge to us. Great memories

[@KHII]

John Yates snuck into the gold medal game? Doubtful

[@Aurora_Tom_Renton]

wow

[@kevintotten1681]

John, you were sure a lucky person to experience those whole 2 weeks there. Lake Placid will never lose its luster. That experience will live forever. I'd love to go there someday.

[@maxfolsom9159]

Multiple 11 year old kids snuck into an Olympic championship game without getting caught..? Sounds sketchy. Lmao

[@DemocratsareagentsofSATAN]

Coach Brooks knew exactly what he was going to put Ralph through for the rest of his life...being the last man cut to what would go on, unbeknownst to them of course, to winning a gold medal Olympic team...

[@afuzzycreature8387]

representing our nation on that stage, much less win, is a dream many of us will have but never experience. To stand before all else and be the best your nation has on offer. So to get that close is understandably soul crushing. Especially if you're on the brink of other life choices such as continuing with the sport and or moving on into other realms of your life.

[@bunionpain16]

Coach screwed Cox big time!!!!!!

[@olbigdik]

Class act, Coxie, you are a fine man.

[@scotthartkopf1403]

I grew up in Minneapolis and skated with and against many of these guys, Herbie was also our coach in Summer hockey, including Ken Yackel hockey school. Herbie was also a personal friend of my uncle that coached at Mahtomedi.. great memories 🏒🥅

[@markphillips4103]

Russell did a wonderful job of playing Brooks to me it was his finest hour as an actor ☺️

[@timothyflanigan1777]

herb brooks the greatest coach and hockey mind that the us ever produced. before lake placid like what he accomplished at the university of minnesota. herb brooks and the 1980 usa hockey team are an american treasure. what they accomplished never be forgotten. i was 12 at the time, and that was one special weekend.

[@John-ig7ey]

I felt so bad for this man, but wow he handled himself with real class.

[@KMK7355]

Cox had an ankle injury that hurt his skating in a material way. Healthy he would have made that team.

[@buzzo2923]

Just came across this great interview, on the 39th anniversary of the “ Miracle on Ice” . What a class act Cox is.

[@atarahchomah1463]

@Mark Levy Happy 41st anniversary!

[@dennissalazar5866]

What a classy dude.

[@davidwadsworth8982]

Brooks was the last player cut by Coach Riley from the 1960 Olympic Hockey Team. Got to meet many times Coach Riley at West Point where he was their Hockey Coach. Team played at Smith Rink back then. He has some real good teams. U,S, won that Gold too. At Smith Rink, fans went out side to warm up.

[@stevedesio7433]

This is the reason why this is one of the very rare moments ever in the history of sports. A true TEAM. With guys making sacrafices that had to be so hard. Yet were not bitter. But actually inspired.

[@richernest3359]

Best thing that happened to you!Miracles are made from rejection.Herb new you were a diamond for life.

[@saulpaulus]

Remarkable how much Cox looks like the actor who played him in the first picture. As to the second pic, Herb didn't allow facial hair. He made only one exception and that was for Ken Morrow. Morrow went on to win four straight Cups with the Isles who initiated the playoff beard tradition. Morrow may have been the source, the original playoff beard guy.

[@chipgriffiths3655]

Butch Goring.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

When the Islanders got Goring their fans knew we had the entire puzzle. He was the final piece. It was not easy being an Islander fan living in Manhattan, that's for sure.

[@samkent7910]

Ralph Cox was one of the best college players i ever had the joy to see play. he also is in the same plain as bobby orr when it comes to class

[@Lifeofmuf]

Wow....that's the best speech I need today

[@richardgallerani5644]

thanks for giving us your very best. your a good man Ralph. this doesn't change that.

[@The007maribeth]

I proudly have the "Northland" 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team poster hanging up on a wall, in my office. Ralph was in the picture and was a part of that team - just as much as any of the other players pictured. Everything in life happens for a reason. And one thing is for certain, we can't determine our fate.

[@atarahchomah1463]

Well said. Wish I had that poster.

[@stephenraemisch9012]

Ralph Cox … what a CLASS ACT!!!

[@jdshelton999]

Big up's Ralph Cox! I never knew the story until watching Miracle with Kurt Russell. I know it must have been devastating for you. You coming public to tell your side of the story is greatly appreciated, thank you!

[@hattiem.7966]

I had forgotten about Coach Brooks being cut from the 1960 team.

[@adiracquetball]

Cox and Hughes were last two players cut. They were easily as good as any of the bottom 8 players on that roster if not better. Cox is a total class act. In the end Herb won so it's very tough to knock his decisions. He had a plan and he stuck to it.

[@KMK7355]

Lot of the players benefited from about 6-7 guys that either went the Junior route or went pro after their senior years. That D Corp would have looked much different with Laneway, Dunn and Roberts on it. Christian would have moved back to center and Mullen would have been a lock.

[@pendafen7405]

@@KMK7355 goes to show that you always have to be ready and training, even if you aren't the best/at your best, and even if tbh you aren't that great, because you never know what's gonna happen next to the guys right in front of you in the line.

[@KMK7355]

Hockey was very sectional in the USA back when these players were 18-22. Lot of them had never seen each other play, so weren't aware of each other until the US Olympic Sports Festival in 1978.

[@johnzumwalt9457]

What a class act.

[@DaveH-10]

class act. Very inspirational man.

[@tomgillman4962]

Ralph, you are a class act. Great story and the tough moments for players and coaches

[@bigonion874]

I love this story. Good head on his shoulders as a kid at the time of this for being so understanding. Most kids would’ve stormed out

[@TheIsreal0312]

I was never quite good enough in sports during my school years to make the first team. So in my own way I understand what Ralph Cox went through. To be so close to your goal, so close to your dream and have it snatched away because you were not quite good enough. Just fell a little bit short of the mark. But at least he went on to have a successful hockey career in Europe, then scouting career in the NHL and then business.

[@sylvesterstain]

He was good enough. He was coming off an injury? Not sure how you are comparing yourself playing JV and never varsity as the same as missing out on the 1980 Olympic Hockey team?

[@dickbackus2004]

@A Duh- You missed the statement above. Read it again. SF

[@jeffreyadams8345]

The part in miracle the movie was emotional as well

[@jamescrouch3217]

Class act!

[@owen5191]

I hope Ralph coaches the next Olympic hockey team and wins the gold just like Herb

[@kevinwoodcock7578]

Outstanding video.... You are class personified Mr. Cox.

[@huskie4ever17]

What a class man...here’s a man to cite as a role model on how to handle a speed bump in life and come out the better for it.

[@richardkeating6697]

Great interview !!!

[@DoWork316]

Great behind the story -story. Class act!

[@pendafen7405]

Imagine the emotional pain and sorrow of having to inflict on someone else one of your own worst personal heartbreaks, and knowing there's no other way.

[@jungleanimalhunter5414]

i feel like so much was left out of the movie after watching this

[@flufychickens]

Well yaa they have 2 hours to capture like a whole year worth of stuff. Hell they coulda made the entire movie based on the last 2 games they played entirely and still missed stuff

[@pellenyberg]

Good guy! Respect.

[@shopslim70]

What a great guy

[@SuperGeorgeJetson]

Class and respect

[@michaelglucksman147]

Very impressive guy. He was obviously a great player based on the after video statement.

[@mollycaz1]

40 years ago you true champion in life what matters

[@normchouinard8766]

Wonder if he ever thought about coaching Team USA at the 2000 Winter Olympics? Kenneth Mitchell gives his character a deserving portrayal in the 2004 movie, Miracle.

[@ericfett9218]

2002 Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City - there were only Summer Olympics in the year 2000.

[@Tyrunner0097]

That scene is always hard to watch in the movie when he gets cut, but the mutual respect they showed with their parting words was wonderful. "Thank you for giving me a chance, coach." "Thank YOU for giving me your best."

[@atarahchomah1463]

Amen. It is hard to watch.

[@armedrealtorakasheepdog6914]

From 2 Stanley Cups to Real Estate, from the pinnacle of professional sports to the arm pit of professions... I’m a Realtor (a member of the National Association of Realtors), I should know...lol Just kidding, Real Estate is a great profession. I was truly moved when I learned that Herb was the last player cut from the 1960 Olympic team and as the clock ticked down he was thinking of this gentleman. That speaks volumes about Herb’s character.

[@kbholla]

damn. poor guy.

[@BBQFanNo1]

Often times the Best Coaches are the ones who never had the opportunity to win it all as a Player. Scotty Bowman was a superb Coach brought to two superb Stanley Cup Title run Teams winning 5 in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 with the Montreal Canadiens, one with the Pittsburgh Penguins and 3 with the Detroit Red Wings. I wish Herb Brooks could have had an opportunity to have coached a couple of those Stanley Cup Winning Teams in Detroit, Colorado and Pittsburgh.

[@pendafen7405]

Was shocked and saddened to learn a few years ago that the fine actor Kenneth Mitchell, who played Coxy in the 2004 D!sney film 'Miracle', suffers with Lou Gehrig's disease/ALS. He now uses a chair and a digitzed voice assistant.

[@gabesen1451]

Great video....

[@stephenkennedy8767]

Class act!!

[@azcardguy7825]

His name is engraved on the Stanley cup. He did just fine.

[@daveh9803]

As General Manager of the Penguins, Craig Patrick hired Cox to be a scout. Cox was awarded with Stanley Cup rings in 1991 and 1992. After the Pens won the Cup in 1992, special permission was granted to allow Cox's name to be engraved on the Cup, an honor usually only granted to the players, at the time.

[@LiberalsAreTrash]

It's really good to hear that Ralph Cox had no ill will towards Herb Brooks because cutting him was not personal. Unfortunately it is the only way to get the best 20 on the team.

[@tjanderson8800]

Kinda crazy, my girlfriend was the last girl cut from the 98’ USA women’s hockey team that won gold. She was the captain at Boston College. I grew up in Alaska. We met in Hawaii. Life is weird.

[@flufychickens]

Wait theres femal hcokey Olympics? And the usa won in 1998? And your gf played on that team??

[@pendafen7405]

Interesting story. How did she take it? Did she continue to play or go pro after school? Are you two crazy kids still together?

[@Hoss5678]

Ralph Cox, was and is a true champion before the game ever started.

[@Drewster317]

Love this guy! Love the player he was (is). I would take his UNH jersey over an olympic jersey any day.

[@kevinobrien6460]

I saw the US team play live on December 27th, 1979 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, my hometown, at the old Broadmoor World Arena. They played a Russian team, not THE Russian team, and Team USA won the game. It was a very good game. But I distinctly remember that I thought Ralph Cox was the best player on the ice that night, by far. He had this huge bushy mustache that really stood out so he was very recognizable. Now I will admit that I was 13 years old at the time. Turned 14 in Jan '80, before the Olympics. But I knew my hockey. I was around hockey a lot. And I remember watching the Olympics themselves wondering 'where the hell is Ralph Cox?'

[@leoderosia9279]

Ralph was a excellent player at UNH, I remember watching him in 1979 ...we are same age

[@KMK7355]

Cox hurt his ankle and it hurt his skating. If healthy he would have made the Olympic Team. He was absolutely a pure goal scorer.

[@markwoldin162]

Fascinating. Rewarding.

[@carterobrien5233]

ralph deserves a gold medal

[@toddbaumann3980]

Wow not one negative word this is the type of person i strive to be everyday this could have crushed him but it didnt and in the long run has made him the awsome human being he is he didnt physically skates on the ice play in the Olympics be he was there i do know that at that moment alot of the players thought of him and considered him part of the team! An awsome man much respect!

[@MustangMike012]

Class Act!!

[@fuzzyflick9905]

Your still one of the BEST EVER 💪💪💪💪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jacknakash2677]

If the USA hockey team were allowed to carry 21 players Cox would've been on the team l know it sucks to play your guts out to show heart towards the team to get "cut" but from seeing this & from what l read Ralph Cox handled it like a man many years his senior

[@KMK7355]

They increased the size of the teams to 23 in 1988. Some of the players on the 1980 Team benefited from having several players turn pro early. Guys like Harrington, Verchota and Wells likely wouldn't have made the squad if Mullen, Gorence and Nilan hadn't gone pro early.

[@LinkRocks]

Classy of Mr. Cox to handle it the way he did.

[@johannamoulton4714]

He was the not the last man cut it was my Dad Jack Hughes the true last man cut from the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team. My Dad went onto the Colorado Rockies.

[@KMK7355]

I remember watching your Dad play at Harvard with your Uncle George.

[@kylemc8851]

What a humble guy! I am still bitter from my College coach benching me (30yrs ago)...

[@ynotttt]

What a great story…

[@gezzarandom]

Wonder why the movie didn’t show Ralph’s injury? It was the only reason why he didn’t make the final 20, he didn’t have enough time to get fully up to speed.

[@sjlaxmac2014]

They should have had this meeting as a scene in the movie

[@nickgianesin5254]

They did

[@robertdurant6616]

sjlaxmac2014 yeah the assistant coach Craig comes to tell Ralph that Herb wants to see him and Ralph has that look on his face that he knows this is it for him.

[@roshieifra]

Robert Durant The scene in the film wasn't as emotional on Brooks part. I remember thinking when I first saw the film, "Damn, Brooks knows exactly what this kid is feeling, and might feel for a very long time, if not his whole life...he's playing it a little cold." And I've rewatched the film a bunch and still always wondered about that scene. Now, whenever I watch it, I'll remember that Brooks did empathize with him.

[@zlinedavid]

"I wish like hell I could keep you Ralph..."

[@frankvee8068]

@@nickgianesin5254 .....and arguably the best scene in the movie...gutwrenching

[@bostonboy7895]

that's my uncle

[@KMK7355]

My son played against Cox's son in HS.

[@leoderosia9279]

He was a really good player for the U of New Hampshire

[@KMK7355]

Scored 40 goals twice at UNH. Outscored Joe Mullen at BC who scored 500 goals in the NHL.

[@timdansfield9177]

Went to play for the Mohawks in Muskegon after he was cut.

[@bruceboeder9984]

What a class act! I went to UMn undergraduate and law school, graduating in 1976 and had season tickets while in school and after until 2010 so I watched a lot of Brooks’ college teams I agree about Herb being a great coach And what a class act Ralph Cox is! Does anyone have any idea what his injury was?

[@KMK7355]

It was an ankle injury which is death for a hockey player. Cox was a pure goal scorer and its very unlikely he would have been cut if he was healthy. He wasn't as fast as guys like Strobel or Christoff or Pavelich but he skated fine.

[@bbb462cid]

Cox was absolutely good enough and talented enough to make the team. But you can't take everyone.

[@KMK7355]

An ankle injury killed his chances. He brought more to the table healthy then Verchota, Harrington and maybe Strobel.

[@Lawomenshoops]

There were actually six players who played with the team before the Olympics, who were cut. Jack Hughes was one of them. The movie, Miracle, made it seem as if Ralph Cox was the only player cut.

[@KMK7355]

Because he was the last and an injury did him in. He was better than Mark Wells for certain. Brooks could have shifted Eric Stobel to center if Cox was healthy.

[@shawnbeck2303]

Herb. Knew how he felt. Because it happened to him. Great job Herb! The 1980 Hockey Team. Changed America. We were down in America then. Just turned 20 years old. Job's were hard to find people laid - off. Carter was killing America. With his Liberal Idea's. Interest rates were really high. So was gas if you could find it to buy. But just getting a chance to play for The U.S. must have been a thrill of a life time! Shawn.

[@Icriedtoday]

Sir, I’ve watched the 1980 miracle from 50 different angles and in this one interview, you just put yourself back on the 1980 team. God bless you and Merry Christmas.

[@KMK7355]

True, but Cox lost his spot due to injury.

[@pumpkinking5174]

Jack Hughes Sr was cut at the same time.

[@steventesta6782]

You really have to take your hat off to Ralph.