SUPER BOWL TIES: Central Florida high school football coach has former players in the big game Chief’s Jawaan Taylor and Eagles’ Chauncey Gardner-Johnson played at Cocoa High School
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Two alumni from Cocoa High School will square off in Super Bowl LIX, and their former coach spoke to News 6.
Offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, and defensive back Chauncy Gardner-Johnson plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players were teammates for the Cocoa Tigers in 2016, and they played for the Florida Gators.
John Wilkinson was their head coach at Cocoa. He now leads the football program at New Smyrna Beach High School.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos ]
Watch the video at the top of this story to hear Wilkinson talk about both players and their time at Cocoa.
To see other players from Central Florida who will play in the Super Bowl, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily :
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Nathaniel Rivas headshot
Ryan Welch headshot
Ryan Welch joined the News 6 Team as a sports anchor and reporter in July 2017. After nearly 15 years in the industry, Ryan gladly brings his passion for sports to Central Florida.
'They're coming for you Sharon' Arrest made in missing child case decades later ▶ 1:06
'They're coming for you Sharon' Arrest made in missing child case decades later
Florida license plate frame law’s confusion forces state to clarify the rules ▶ 0:45
Florida license plate frame law’s confusion forces state to clarify the rules
Banana Ball: Orlando eyes league championship game for 2028 ▶ 1:01
Banana Ball: Orlando eyes league championship game for 2028
Ocoee woman accused of sending sexual videos of 13-year-old to prison inmate ▶ 1:04
Ocoee woman accused of sending sexual videos of 13-year-old to prison inmate
Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on ▶ 1:03
Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on
‘Breath of fresh air:’ Neighbors relieved as Brevard County condemns home of woman who dumped feces in yards ▶ 0:50
‘Breath of fresh air:’ Neighbors relieved as Brevard County condemns home of woman who dumped feces in yards
Man accused of dumping missing Brevard County woman’s body after sex, fatal overdose in 2023 ▶ 0:55
Man accused of dumping missing Brevard County woman’s body after sex, fatal overdose in 2023
See the moment a plane crashes into a car on I-95 in Brevard ▶ 0:41
See the moment a plane crashes into a car on I-95 in Brevard
Florida’s bear hunt is underway, but FWC is not actively saying how many have been killed ▶ 0:52
Florida’s bear hunt is underway, but FWC is not actively saying how many have been killed
Universal altered report about roller coaster death after state agency intervened ▶ 1:20
Universal altered report about roller coaster death after state agency intervened
ADA compliance lawsuits hit Central Florida businesses, raising concerns about accessibility and legal challenges ▶ 1:13
ADA compliance lawsuits hit Central Florida businesses, raising concerns about accessibility and legal challenges
Prosecutor pinned for ‘oversight’ after man accused in Orlando jogging attack takes plea deal ▶ 0:55
Prosecutor pinned for ‘oversight’ after man accused in Orlando jogging attack takes plea deal
Bane scores 37 to lead the Orlando Magic past the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals ▶ 0:39
Bane scores 37 to lead the Orlando Magic past the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals
‘Not in our backyard:’ Gas plant to power cruise ships could be built near Merritt Island neighborhood ▶ 0:53
‘Not in our backyard:’ Gas plant to power cruise ships could be built near Merritt Island neighborhood
Residents split on new Celery Avenue speed tables in Seminole County ▶ 0:44
Residents split on new Celery Avenue speed tables in Seminole County
New Smyrna Beach faces final vote on ‘pedal pubs’ amid concerns ▶ 0:27
New Smyrna Beach faces final vote on ‘pedal pubs’ amid concerns
Florida homeowners fight rising lot rents as park owners avoid mediation ▶ 0:23
Florida homeowners fight rising lot rents as park owners avoid mediation
6 Things to do this weekend (12/6 - 12/7) ▶ 1:00
6 Things to do this weekend (12/6 - 12/7)
Rollins College student arrested after rifle, ammunition found on school property, police say ▶ 1:23
Rollins College student arrested after rifle, ammunition found on school property, police say
Orlando pastry chef brings Brazilian flavors to Food Network’s ‘Holiday Baking Championship’ ▶ 1:03
Orlando pastry chef brings Brazilian flavors to Food Network’s ‘Holiday Baking Championship’
🌳Discover the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: Family-friendly aerial adventure minutes from Disney ▶ 1:16
🌳Discover the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: Family-friendly aerial adventure minutes from Disney
‘Stand Your Ground’ cited after fatal Seminole County shooting stems from apparent road rage ▶ 0:49
‘Stand Your Ground’ cited after fatal Seminole County shooting stems from apparent road rage
Tavares eyes fines, permits for garage sale violations ▶ 0:48
Tavares eyes fines, permits for garage sale violations
Central Florida’s newest Trader Joe’s is officially open!🛒✨ ▶ 0:48
Central Florida’s newest Trader Joe’s is officially open!🛒✨
A Door Dash driver uses the 5-second rule on some unknowing customers. It’s caught on a doorbell camera. ▶ 1:26
A Door Dash driver uses the 5-second rule on some unknowing customers. It’s caught on a doorbell camera.
Previous photo Next photo