High School

Former NFL star returns to Florida to coach high school football

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returns to his roots after playing 12 seasons in the NFL

Andy Villamarzo

Aug 11, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) walks off the field after a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) walks off the field after a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It's a new era beginning over at Bayshore High School in Bradenton, Florida when it comes to the Bruins' football program.

Under new head coach Ace Sanders, a former Manatee High School and University of South Carolina standout, the program has begun making moves with staff additions. On Friday, Sanders made his first big splash hire on the South Suncoast.

Bayshore football announced the appointment of former NFL defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the coaching staff, according to an announcement via X, formerly known as Twitter.

"All I know is work and from the work results were made," Rodgers-Cromartie said via the post in a statement.

Rodgers-Cromartie played his high school football at Lakewood Ranch High School before onto the collegiate level, playing at Tennessee State. From 2004-2007 there, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted 11 passes and batted away 25 during his time with the Tigers.

The defensive back was drafted as the No. 16 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and played in the league for 12 seasons. During Rodgers-Cromartie's time in the NFL, in ended up playing for the Cardinals, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.

After his playing days in the NFL, Rodgers-Cromartie appeared back on the gridiron on the adult amateur circuit, playing for the now defunct Tampa Bay Thunder and West Coast Soldiers, respectively. Rodgers-Cromartie also plays in the A7FL for the Tampa Nightcrawlers.

Bayshore kicks off the 2024 season on the road when they face St. Petersburg Catholic in St. Petersburg, Florida. Rodgers-Cromartie will face off against his old team on Nov. 1st when the Bruins host Lakewood Ranch.

Bayshore Bruins 2024 Football Schedule

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl

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Andy Villamarzo

ANDY VILLAMARZO

Andy Villamarzo has been a sports writer in the Tampa Bay (FL) Area since 2007, writing for publications such as Tampa Bay Times, The Tampa Tribune, The Suncoast News, Tampa Beacon, Hernando Sun to name a few. Andy resides out of the Tarpon Springs, FL area and started as a writer with SB Live Sports in the summer of 2022 covering the Tampa Bay Area. He has quickly become one of Florida's foremost authorities on high school sports, appearing frequently on podcasts, radio programs and digital broadcasts as an expert on team rankings, recruiting and much more.

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