Two Cocoa High School Legends Set to Line Up Against Each Other in Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl Kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. on FOX

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 – Cousins Jawaan Taylor of the Kansas City Chiefs and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to football’s biggest stage.

Both Space Coast Hall of Famers have played in the Super Bowl, but only one has claimed victory—so far.

Jawaan Taylor: From Cocoa High to Super Bowl Champion

Jawaan Taylor, a standout offensive lineman from Cocoa High School, took his talents to the University of Florida in 2016, where he refined his skills. After forgoing his senior year, Taylor entered the 2019 NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Taylor made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning a spot on the 2019 All-Rookie Team. Over the next three seasons (2020-2022), he started every game for Jacksonville, proving himself as a reliable force on the offensive line.

In early 2023, Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, joining a team known for its dominance in the AFC. His move proved fruitful, as the Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl 58, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. Now a Super Bowl champion, Taylor remains a key starter as the Chiefs aim for a historic third consecutive title.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: A Defensive Playmaker

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson made a name for himself in Brevard County early on, and like his cousin, he took his talents to the University of Florida in 2016. After developing under strong coaching and upperclassmen leadership, Gardner-Johnson declared for the 2019 NFL Draft and was selected in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints.

He quickly made his mark, contributing on special teams before securing a starting role as a nickel cornerback. His aggressive playstyle fit perfectly with the Saints’ tough, hard-nosed defense.

In 2022, after three seasons in New Orleans, Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had a breakout year. He led the NFL in interceptions (co-leader) and played a crucial role in the Eagles’ dominant defense. The team reached Super Bowl 57, but fell just short in a 38-35 loss to the Chiefs.

The following season, he signed with the Detroit Lions, aiming to be a key defensive leader. Unfortunately, an injury placed him on Injured Reserve, but upon his return, he helped the Lions reach the NFC Championship.

In March 2024, Gardner-Johnson rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles, returning to a team that values his playmaking ability. Now, he gets another shot at Super Bowl glory—this time facing his cousin, Jawaan Taylor, in what promises to be an electrifying rematch.

A Family Rivalry on Football’s Biggest Stage

The cousins have squared off three times in their NFL careers, with Gardner-Johnson winning all three matchups—each with a different team!

Super Bowl 59 also marks the fifth consecutive year that a Cocoa High graduate has played in the Super Bowl.

With Taylor looking to help Kansas City make history by winning three straight Super Bowl championships and Gardner-Johnson eager to claim his first ring, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.

Good luck to Jawaan Taylor and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson as they battle for football’s ultimate prize—Super Bowl glory!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Space Coast native and Eastern Florida State College journalism student Zane Garcia has joined the Space Coast Day–Friday Night Locker Room team.

Garcia grew up in Rockledge and attended Andersen Elementary and Kennedy Middle before becoming a Rockledge Raider. After moving to Melbourne, he attended Eau Gallie High School, graduating in 2019.

As a youth, Garcia excelled in many sports and played basketball in middle school and all four years of high school, including at Rockledge and Eau Gallie high schools.

“My passion for sports was sparked at a young age, and I look forward to bringing exciting play-by-play action, expert analysis, and highlighting the players and coaches that make sports on the Space Coast special,” said Garcia.

Garcia joins the veteran and expert Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room team that includes Space Coast Sports Hall of Famers Steve Wilson and Orville Susong of the Friday Night Locker Room, Tom Palermo, Jim Palermo, Giles Malone, Zach Clark, Terry Spain, JC Meyerholz, Matt O’Hern, Gavin Keith, Bobby Freeman and Brian Dillon.

The Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room principals and broadcast team have over 100 years of experience covering sports in Brevard County and beyond.

Garcia said he looks forward to providing live sports broadcasts featuring cutting-edge coverage on the streaming Space Coast Daily TV, along with player interviews, replays, highlights, pre-game and post-game analysis, and much more!

Space Coast Daily includes all mediums, including social media, the web, print, and grassroots events, such as the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, which Space Coast Daily founded in 2011.

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