Chip Cox, who caught the eye of Montreal Alouettes fans in 2006, is taking his exceptional special-teams play back to the National Football League.

The five-foot-nine defensive back signed last week with the Washington Redskins after a tryout on Dec. 19. Cox also tried out with Denver and Minnesota Vikings, and was offered a contract by the Broncos.

Defensive back Chip Cox, left, tied for the Alouettes lead in interceptions in 2006 with three.
(John Woods/Canadian Press)

"I know I'm good enough to play in the NFL," Cox, who was entering the option year of his Canadian Football League contract, told the Montreal Gazette on Monday. "There isn't a team that I can't play for. Maybe I won't start, but I'm good enough to be a third cornerback in the league."

Cox, 23, would earn $285,000 US — the NFL rookie minimum — if he cracks Washington's roster next season.

If released at training camp, Cox could return to Montreal, Grey Cup finalist in 2006 against the eventual champion B.C. Lions, but he would have missed half the season.

"This is a great opportunity, my childhood dream, but I know the Redskins don't have to keep me," Cox said. "They have no investment in me, and it's a very big risk for me. I haven't been a big gambler all my life, but I decided to take a gamble now. I'll take a shot and hope it pays off.

"It's my last shot. If I don't make it, I'll come back to the CFL. I won't go through the headache of trying to impress someone who doesn't want me."

Cox impressed the Alouettes last season after a failed attempt with the NFL's Detroit Lions in 2005.

While playing just 13 of 18 games, he made a solid contribution on special teams, blocking two punts. Cox also tied for the team lead with three interceptions, posted 40 defensive tackles and recovered one fumble, while forcing three others and knocking down five passes.

In Montreal's 25-14 loss to the Lions in the Grey Cup, Cox also recovered a fumble and probably would have scored on the play except for an officiating error.

"It's a significant loss at defensive back," said Alouettes general manager and coach Jim Popp, who anticipated Cox's departure. "He's a very high-calibre special-teams player who helped us in a lot of areas."