Two Former Cocoa Tigers, Space Coast Sports Hall of Famers Set to Clash in Super Bowl Showdown
By Space Coast Daily // January 26, 2025
Super Bowl 59 is set for February 9 in New Orleans
2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Then Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Lineman Jawaan Taylor, Now Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Lineman blocks for one of the best QB’s in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes. (Video aired in 2020)
2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Philadelphia Eagles starting safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Recognized as Among Best Defensive Back’s in the NFL. (Video aired in 2020)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The road to the Super Bowl will bring an emotional twist for fans of Cocoa High School as two of its most celebrated alumni, offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor and defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson, face off on football’s biggest stage.
Representing the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles respectively, both athletes are not only stars in the NFL but also members of the prestigious Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.
Cocoa native Jawaan Taylor, the starting right tackle for the Chiefs, played a critical role in Kansas City’s thrilling 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.
On the other side, CJ Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles’ starting safety, was instrumental in Philadelphia’s dominant 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship.
A Historic Journey from Cocoa to the NFL
Both Taylor and Gardner-Johnson share a deep-rooted connection, having played together in Little League, high school, and college.
The duo were inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing their legacy as two of the brightest stars to emerge from Cocoa High School.
“It’s a blessing. Us three all playing together in Little League,” Taylor reflected. “Me and Chauncey have been playing football together every year since we were four years old, so we were on the same team all through Little League, all through high school, all through college. That was a great experience to see all our dreams fulfilled because you know from day one we already knew our dreams and aspirations were to play in the NFL.”
Taylor helped the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas last year after beating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in a overtime thriller.
Taylor makes frequent trips back to Brevard County and is no stranger to the community where he was raised up.
After the Super Bowl win, the Cocoa City Council honored Super Bowl Champion and former Cocoa Tiger Jawaan Taylor with a Key to the City.
The presentation honored Taylor for his excellence both on and off the football field.
“He was recognized for being a stellar athlete and the hard work and dedication it takes to reach this milestone and for his dedication and commitment to his community,” said City of Cocoa spokesperson.
Taylor has also made appearances for local youth football camps.
The Influence of Coach John Wilkinson
Taylor attributes much of his success to his family and former Cocoa High head coach John Wilkinson, who himself is a member of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame. Wilkinson’s guidance proved pivotal, particularly during a transformative summer after Taylor’s junior year in high school. During this time, Taylor shed an impressive 52 pounds, significantly boosting his appeal to college scouts.
“He was a father figure,” Taylor said, crediting Wilkinson’s mentorship. “It was Coach Wilkinson, along with my family, who helped me through that career-altering summer.”
Taylor initially committed to the University of Miami but later signed with the University of Florida after Miami underwent coaching changes.
His decision to play for Florida paid off, paving the way for his eventual rise to the NFL.
CJ Gardner-Johnson Among NFL’s Best Defensive Backs
Former Cocoa Tiger and Florida Gator Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has been a high impact player ever since beginning his career on the youth football fields of Brevard County, right up to his selection to the Pro Football Writers Association 2019 All-Rookie Team.
During his senior year at Cocoa High School, the 2015 Space Coast Daily – Friday Night Locker Room Prep Football Player of the Year helped guide the Tigers to a 10-3 record and a spot in the state semifinal game.
Playing in the Tigers defensive secondary, Gardner-Johnson shut down half the field against opposing high school quarterbacks, as he registered 31 solo tackles, 55 total tackles, four sacks and two interceptions in 2015.
Gardner-Johnson was also a force on offense for the then Tigers’ head coach John Wilkinson as he churned out 927 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns, and was frequently seen returning kickoffs for touchdowns.
He was listed as the 84th best high school prospect on ESPN’s Top 300 list, was ranked the No. 42 overall player in the country and No.4 ranked player in the state of Florida by the 247 Sports Recruiting Composite.
The much sought after Gardner-Johnson decided to take his considerable talents to the University of Florida to play for the Gators.
Always the impact player, Gardner-Johnson led the Gators with eight special teams tackles and totaled 32 tackles, three pass breakups, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a half tackle-for-loss in his first season in Gainesville.
The 6-foot, 208-pound Gardner-Johnson appeared in every game during his three years at Florida and started 25 times in the Gators secondary.
As a true freshman at Florida, Gardner-Johnson appeared in all 13 games, making starts in the final 3 games of the season. During the 2017 Outback Bowl, Gardner-Johnson had 2 tackles and 2 interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, he was named the MVP of the Outback Bowl.
During his sophomore season at UF, Gardner-Johnson started in all 11 games, totaling 58 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, six tackles-for-loss, and one sack.
Before his junior season, Gardner-Johnson was moved to the Nickleback position and in November 2018, he announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare his eligibility for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (105th overall) and then played in all 16 games during his rookie season, starting in seven at defensive back for the Saints.
When he declared his availability for the 2019 NFL Draft, Gardner -Johnson remembered those here on the Space Coast that helped him achieve his goals.
Gardner-Johnson recognized his family and friends and thanked former Cocoa Tigers head coach John Wilkinson, his youth football coach Alex Goins and former NFL player and Cocoa Tiger James Folston for their support and encouragement.
A Super Bowl Moment for Cocoa High
As Taylor and Gardner-Johnson prepare to square off in the Super Bowl, their journey from Cocoa High to the NFL stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the support of a close-knit community. Their success shines a spotlight on the talent emerging from Brevard County and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in their hometown.
No matter the outcome of the Super Bowl, Cocoa High and its fans will celebrate the incredible achievements of these two former Tigers.
For Taylor and Gardner-Johnson, the game represents more than just a championship—it’s a moment to honor their roots, their shared history, and their journey from Cocoa to the pinnacle of professional football.
