Falcons' Cox stunned at death of former teammate Jovan Belcher - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Atlanta Falcons fullback Mike Cox says he and his wife were in disbelief when word spread Sunday about the murder-suicide involving his friend and former teammate Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend.

Police say Belcher killed his girlfriend and then himself over the weekend.

Cox played three seasons with Belcher while a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He says he and his wife were eating breakfast Sunday when they heard the news about the loss of a couple they were close to during their time in Kansas City.

"I was a fullback. We met many times in training camp. He was a great teammate. Quiet. Went and did his job at work and his girlfriend, Kassie, was friends with my wife, and they were just good people," Cox said.

The former Georgia Tech star says he never saw any indication of the kind of violence now linked to Jovan Belcher.

"He separated work from his personal issues, and he was a consummate professional in the locker room and on the field. He was there and we had each other's back, so I guess you never know what people are dealing with," Cox said.

Cox says NFL franchises have support systems in place, including counseling, to help players cope with personal issues, but adds you have to step up and ask for help.

"It can get the best of you and everything, but you just have to stay calm and cool. I think having good faith will help you out in everything. Good friends and teammates and people you can turn to," said Cox.

Chiefs players held a memorial service for Belcher on Thursday.