‘It will continue:’ Cocoa High School football program spans generations of winners

COCOA, Fla. – Win or lose, the city of Cocoa is proud of its Tigers and the winning tradition the football program has built with multiple state championships and multiple players going on to the NFL and even playing in the Super Bowl.

Cocoa’s first football state championship dates back to 2008.

[RELATED: NFL players who attended Cocoa High School]

Years after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints, Michael Cadore was the president of the Cocoa-Rockledge area’s youth football program for 20 years and saw a lot of players coming up.

Cadore is now a Rockledge city councilman.  

“These kids who come through the youth league, going on to high school, and now many are playing for a state championship, I’m honored,” Cadore said. “It’s a win-win all the way around for the Cocoa, Rockledge, and even Brevard County community, as a whole.”

Cadore then spoke about players who continue to contribute to the city even after their local playing days are over.

“Those who are blessed to a win state championship, they’re coming back and giving to the community by doing the same thing — coaching our youth football, being teachers in our school system, working in public safety. It’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

Brian Johnson’s family benefited from the success of the football program through Brian’s son, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Johnsons opened Kings Grill in Rockledge and hosted a party when C.J. played in the Super Bowl two years ago.

“Thanks to C.J.’s career, yea,” Johnson said, crediting his son for opening the restaurant.

The proud father credited Cocoa’s coaches and players for being committed to winning.

“It’s not easy,” Johnson said. “You gotta’ sacrifice a lot to be at this level and keep continuing to win state championships.”

Johnson said he believes the future of football in Cocoa is in good hands.

“Everybody wants to come to Cocoa,” he said. “They want to be a part of a winning program. They’re probably always gonna’ have the talent. All they gotta’ do is keep winning. It will continue.”