It’s been over two years since Kobe Bryant’s demise, and the fans still cannot make peace with the fact that the star is not with them anymore. The sudden death of one of the most celebrated basketball players put everyone in mourning. In his career span of 20 years, Kobe won five NBA championships. He was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Players, and more. Kobe was posthumously voted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. 

But do you know Bryant was not the only basketball player in his family? He had an uncle who played the same game, however, was less famous than his nephew. 

Chubby Cox, as he is popularly addressed, is not as talked about compared to his nephew. It is because he was not in the league for a long time. He only played seven games in the NBA. However, his short-lived career looked impressive. This article covers details about Chubby Cox. Read below to know. 

Who is Chubby Cox? 

John Arthur Cox, popularly known as Chubby Cox III, is a former American professional basketball player. He was born on the 29th of December, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Currently, he is 66 years old. 

Cox attended Roxborough High School in his hometown and played for two years at Villanova University. After that, he stared at the University of San Francisco, where he still ranks among the Top 10 in single-season assists. 

Chubby Cox is the brother-in-law of former NBA player Joe Bryant, and his sister is married to Kobe Bryant’s father. 

What Position did Chubby Cox Play in? 

Chubby Cox played the position of point guard in his game of basketball. He was drafted in the 8th round (7th pick) by the NBA’s Chicago Bulls in 1978. However, he could not make an NBA roster until the 1982-83 season. During that time, Cox fared well in seven games for the Washington Bullets. He successfully scored 29 total points. 

Aside from the NBA, Kobe Bryant’s uncle played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for three years, from 1978 to 1981, respectively. 

In his single game against the Lancaster Red Roses on the 28th of December, 1979, Chubby Cox scored 50 points – one of the best games ever. 

Why is he called Chubby Cox? 

Lately, many people seem to be searching for this name online. The reason for their curiosity is simple – the former American basketball player has an amusing nickname. 

The reason why John Arthur Cox is popularly addressed as Chubby Cox remains a mystery. Going by his physical appearance, Cox is anything but Chubby. He stands 6 feet and 2 inches tall and has a lean physique. The basketball fanatics still keep wondering where the former player received this name. 

How Are Kobe and Chubby Cox Related? 

As stated, Chubby is the late Kobe Bryant’s uncle. He is the brother of Pamela Bryant, Kobe’s mother. Pamela tied the knot with Joe Bryant when she was only in 2021. 

Who is Chubby Cox Married to? 

Reportedly, Cox married his girlfriend and former University of San Francisco cheerleader, Victoria. The duo is blessed with a son, John. Interestingly, their son is a Venezuelan-American pro basketball player. At present, he is 40 years old and a former Olympian and USF Don 2019 Hall of Fame honoree. 

What is Chubby Cox’s Net Worth? 

As per many reports, Chubby Cox is touted as one of the wealthiest basketball players of his time. According to them, his net worth is approximately $1.5 million.