Former NFL wide receiver Sammy Watkins is coaching high school football.
Ocoee High School in Florida announced that Watkins is joining its staff.
“The Ocoee Knights Football Family is proud to welcome Coach Sammy Watkins as our new Wide Receivers Coach,” the football team’s announcement said. “A dynamic playmaker and proven competitor at every level of football, Coach Watkins brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for developing young athletes both on and off the field. His commitment to excellence and understanding of the wide receiver position will be an incredible asset to our program as we continue building a championship culture. Coach Watkins understands what it takes to succeed through hard work, discipline, and dedication. We are excited for our receivers to learn from someone who has competed at the highest levels of the game and is committed to helping our players reach their full potential.”
Watkins was a two-time first-team All-American at Clemson and projected as an NFL superstar, which is why the Bills traded two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to move up and draft him fourth overall in 2014. Watkins had a decent NFL career but didn’t become the player the Bills hoped he would be, and after three years in Buffalo he was traded to the Rams. Watkins later spent time with the Chiefs and Packers, and had two stints with the Ravens.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has said he’d be interested in Watkins joining Clemson’s staff, but for now, Watkins will start his coaching career in high school.