Adolph Cosby was a three-year starter at running back for Athens High School and helped the Golden Eagles earn back to back state championships in 1975-76. He rushed for over 3,000 yards during his career with AHS while being named to the All-Southern, Super All-State and First Team All-State teams. “Adolph Cosby is one of the greatest football players in the history of Limestone County,” said Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame member Robert Malone. 

Cosby became a starter at tailback for the Golden Eagles during the third game of his sophomore season. He would share the backfield that season with future Auburn football great Freddie Smith who played fullback.

“We lost our first game that season to Grissom 7-6 and tied Decatur the next game and we decided to make some changes and start Adolph at tailback.” said Cosby’s former HS coach Larry McCoy. “We won 12 straight games after that and the state championship. Adolph was instrumental in our success. He was a strong between the tackles type runner who had good speed. He was a hard worker and a good all-around player. I am proud that Adolph is being inducted in the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame. He is very deserving of the honor.” 

Statistically, Cosby’s best season for the Golden Eagles was his junior year as he rushed for 1,300 yards and scored 17 touchdowns leading AHS to their state championship repeat. He scored the only touchdown in the state championship game against Andalusia. Athens High School made the state playoffs during all three seasons that Cosby played for the Golden Eagles. 

A knee injury during the fourth game of his senior season with AHS would hamper him the rest of the year but it didn’t stop college recruiters from contacting the star tailback. He chose to sign with Auburn University and played four seasons with the Tigers.