SWFL Super Bowl champion Jaylen Watkins is back to coach his alma mater, Cape Coral High School. A decade and a half has passed since he led the Seahawks to an undefeated season, a time etched in the memories of both players and fans. Now wearing the mantle of defensive coordinator, he brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of nostalgia.
“Before I knew it, I was like, ‘Okay, I think this is something I want to do,’” he reflected, his passion for the sport palpable in every word.
As a Seahawk legend and former NFL player, his journey has come full circle. “It’s just a part of my journey. I went to school here with my wife. I met my best friends. Once you go off and come back, you always want to pay homage to the places that you came from.”
From Player to Mentor: A New Chapter
Watkins’ story began on the sun-drenched fields of Cape Coral, evolving through his days at the University of Florida, where he shined under Urban Meyer’s guidance. Being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 was a turning point—a dream realized—but it wasn’t merely about the accolades. His seven years in the NFL culminated in a victory at Super Bowl LII, yet it was the lessons learned both on and off the field that truly defined his ascent.
Principles of Life and Football
“Show up on time, be accountable, be a high-character teammate,” he emphasized during a recent interview. These are not just football lessons; they are principles of life. “These traits are very important for whatever path you take.” His commitment to instilling this mindset in the young Seahawks is unwavering.
This year, he and a cadre of former teammates are dedicated to rekindling the culture that once thrived in their hometown. Their motto? Build a bond that extends far beyond the field. “It was an entire culture here, and we’re here. We’re just trying to get that back,” he stated, echoing the sentiments of many who remember those glory days.
A Hall of Famer’s Influence
Listening to a Lee County Athletic Conference Hall of Famer like Watkins, the young athletes are eager to soak in every lesson. He carries a roadmap to success, exemplified by the street named in his honor—Watkins Way. But his most profound lesson revolves around optimism.
“Every time the grass is green and the paint is on the field, that’s an opportunity to make a play or make something happen,” he shared, a smile spreading across his face. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, he encourages them to view each moment as a chance for growth and excellence. “We smile. We’re happy about it, because we like football.”
Teammates Turned Coaches
Adding an intriguing twist to this season’s narrative, Watkins shares the field with Tyler Murphy, his college roommate and now head coach of the Seahawks. Their friendship not only enriches the coaching staff but creates a unique synergy that the players can benefit from during this critical phase of their development.
“I love the school, so at the end of the day, I want success for the school and for the kids,” Watkins said, asserting his belief in the program’s potential. Together, they lead summer workouts, steeping their sessions in camaraderie and hard work.
Building the Future
Alongside his coaching duties, Watkins runs his business, D1 Training, a local establishment committed to nurturing athletes. Balancing these roles exemplifies his dedication to both sports and community. “As long as I’m in Fort Myers, I’ll be at Cape High, whether that’s 20 years or 30 years.”
His hope echoes louder than any play call: to see Cape Coral High School succeed, transforming young lives through the precious lessons learned on the field. It’s about creating a legacy—a tapestry woven with threads of determination, friendship, and success.
In a world that often celebrates the glamor of professional sports, Watkins champions the essence of integrity. He embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Seahawk, reminiscing about the moments that shaped him while forging new ones. With each coaching session, he lays the foundation for the next generation, and in doing so, he nurtures the roots of his beloved Cape Coral community.
