More than a dozen former NFL players have continued their winning ways in high school after leading teams to state championships as a head coach this season.
Teddy Bridgewater, a 10-year NFL veteran, returned to his alma mater
Northwestern (Miami, Fla.) and won a state title in his first season.
Read on for a look at all 13 former NFL players to win a state championship as a head coach below.
Jason Witten just won his second consecutive state championship at Liberty Christian in Texas with his son's C.J. and Cooper. The coach is a former Cowboys tight end with more than 13,000 receiving yards in his career. (Photo: Chris McGathey)
Won 41-0 over Raines (Jacksonville)
2024 record: 12-2
NFL: Threw for 15,120 yards and 75 touchdowns between 2014 and 2023 with the Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, Dolphins and Lions. Was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.
Shawn Bryson, Asheville School (N.C.)
Independent Division II title game: Won 28-14 over Trinity Christian (Fayetteville)
2024 record: 7-2
NFL: Rushed for 2,144 yards with the Bills and Lions between 2000 and 2006.
D.J. Campbell, Centennial (Las Vegas, Nev.)
5A III title game: Won 24-15 over Galena (Reno)
2024 record: 7-5
NFL: Played in nine games from 2012-13 with the Panthers and Dolphins.
Mike Cofer, Sports Leadership & Management (Henderson, Nev.)
3A title game: Won 34-30 over Truckee (Calif.)
2024 record: 9-4
NFL: Made 133 field goals between 1987 and 1995 with the Saints, 49ers and Colts. Drilled two field goals in Super Bowl XXIII.
David Dunn, Lincoln (San Diego, Calif.)
1AA title game: Won 28-26 over Pittsburg
2024 record: 12-2
NFL: Caught 91 passes for 1,264 yards and four touchdowns between 1995 and 2001 with the Bengals, Steelers, Browns and Raiders. Has the distinction of making the final play at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1995 and the Houston Astrodome in 1996.
DeVonte Holloman, Pinewood Prep (Summerville, S.C.)
AAA title game: Won 24-21 over Wilson Hall (Sumter)
2024 record: 10-2
NFL: Had two sacks in 2013 with the Cowboys. He was forced to retire after one season due to a neck injury.
Dave Logan, Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.)
5A title game: Won 13-10 over Legend (Parker)
2024 record:13-1
NFL: Recorded 263 receptions for 4,250 yards and 24 touchdowns with the Broncos and Browns from 1976-84.
Ingle Martin, Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)
II-A title game: Won 38-26 over Battle Ground Academy (Franklin)
2024 record: 14-0
NFL: Took two knees for the Packers in the 2006 regular season finale.
Chad Pennington, Sayre (Lexington, Ky.)
1A title game: Won 27-22 over Raceland
2024 record: 15-0
NFL: Passed for 17,823 yards and 102 touchdowns between 2000-2010 with the Jets and Dolphins. He finished second in the 2008 MVP voting behind Peyton Manning.
Jaelen Strong, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.)
CAA II title game: Won 42-32 over Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek)
2024 record: 11-0
NFL: Caught 31 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns from 2015-17 with the Texans and Jaguars.
Syd'Quan Thompson, Grant (Sacramento, Calif.)
2AA title game: Won 35-28 over Pacifica (Oxnard)
2024 record: 12-3
NFL: Intercepted two passes as a rookie with the Denver Broncos in 2010. Injuries shortened his career.
Jason Witten, Liberty Christian (Argyle, Texas)
TAPPS I title game: Won 45-24 over Parish Episcopal (Dallas)
2024 record: 12-1
NFL: Is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history after hauling in 1,228 career receptions for 13,046 yards and 74 touchdowns between 2003 and 2020 with the Cowboys and Raiders.
