Former All-Pro and 2x Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will head home for his first foray into coaching high school football this fall. Cromartie was just announced as the latest addition to Bayshore High School’s varsity football staff by new Head Coach Ace Sanders, which has local fans raving about what is sure to be an exciting fall season.
New Coach Alert🚨🚨 Bruins lets welcome to the staff Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He brings 12 years of NFL experience and hard work to the staff, he stated "all I know is work and from the work results were made" this is a great addition. 🐻🔵🟡🏈 Who's next 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/Zz8bR1kGvN
— Bruins Football (@BayshoreFootba2) July 13, 2024
Cromartie was the 16th overall pick (Arizona Cardinals) in the 2008 NFL Draft and played 12 seasons as a professional. He was born in Bradenton and played as a standout at Lakewood Ranch High School, which is a close rival of the school he will now stand on the sidelines for.
Rodgers-Cromartie, was drafted out of Tennessee State University by the Cardinals and also played for the Eagles, Broncos, Giants, Raiders, and Redskins (before they became the Commanders). Most recently, Cromartie played for the semi-professional Tampa Nightcrawlers in 2023 in the A7FL, whom he is still technically affiliated with.
The former NFL defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returns to his roots to coach Bayshore High School after playing 12 seasons in the NFL 💪
STORY: https://t.co/Neh0rWjruj pic.twitter.com/giT7imVB2Q
— Andy Villamarzo (@Andy_Villamarzo) July 16, 2024
“DRC” will bring a wealth of knowledge to young players with his on-field knowledge as well as experience with how entering the college and professional tier of the sport will affect the young men’s lives. Surely, there will be nuances that are different, especially with the recent legalization of NIL in Florida High School sports, but as a rule of thumb, it is always good to have an experienced professional amongst your coaching staff, making this a great hire for Sanders’ staff.
The former NFL star was asked about his new opportunity, which was initially announced on “X”/Twitter by the Bayshore Bruins official page… Cromartie said “All I know is work and from the work results were made.” The Bruins will open their season against St. Petersburg Catholic and eventually face-off against Rodgers-Cromartie’s old team, Lakewood Ranch, on November 1st.
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THE CONVERSATION.