Petersburg High School: Former NFL player named varsity football head coach

Posted by author February 6, 2025 Football

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‘Please know that today we are not just welcoming a new football coach. We are ushering in a new era of leadership and championship level commitment for our Crimson Wave football program’

Jerome Mathis, a Petersburg High School alumnus and former NFL player, has been appointed as the new varsity football head coach at his alma mater.
Mathis boasts an impressive athletic background, excelling in both football and track and field at Petersburg High School, Hampton University and professionally.
The appointment of Mathis marks a new era for the Crimson Wave football program, with the aim of fostering leadership, championship-level commitment and restoring the legacy of Petersburg High School football.
Mathis emphasizes the importance of character, discipline, respect and understanding the privilege of playing football.

PETERSBURG — Former NFL player Jerome Mathis was named Petersburg High School [PHS] varsity football head coach. “It’s amazing how life comes at you full-circle, and you can come back where it all began for you,” the PHS 2001 graduate stated after the special announcement was made on February 6 in the school auditorium.

“Mathis was a standout athlete in both track and field. His competitive nature was unmatched while at Petersburg High School which placed him at the top of the ranks in both sports and allowed him to continue to level up as his career went on,” William Lawson, PHS Athletic Director said. “Mathis was an invaluable asset on the football field. He was an All-State, All-District, All-Metro wide receiver and kick returner.”

“Football players are leaders, and they should stand out not just because of their talent but because of their character. They must also understand that football is a privilege. Privileges can be taken away, if you fail to uphold the standards that have been set,” Mathis said. “Together, we can build a program that instills discipline, respect and pride to restore the legacy of Petersburg High School football and what it truly means to be part of the Crimson Wave family.”

According to Lawson, Mathis was also one of the most decorated male track and field athletes ever at PHS and in the state of Virginia. He also excelled on both the football field and the track for Hampton University. Mathis played for the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and the Canadian football league Toronto Argonauts. Since 2016, Mathis has served as an assistant football coach at PHS for the last two years.

During PHS Athletic Director William Lawson’s speech, he thanked Michael Scott, PHS class of ’93, for being the head coach at PHS and for his dedication to the athletes. He stated Scott will continue as a mentor as he always has been for Coach Mathis.

Petersburg superintendent hires, ushers in new era

“Please know that today we are not just welcoming a new football coach. We are ushering in a new era of leadership and championship-level commitment for our Crimson Wave football program,” Yolonda Brown, superintendent, said. “Coach Mathis is exactly the kind of leader our student athletes need and we want. He’s going to bring a championship mentality to Petersburg both from his time as an All-Pro NFL player and his dedication to coaching and mentoring young athletes.”

Crimson Wave football players, varsity and junior varsity, school board members, Sam Parham, mayor of Petersburg, other city leaders and Crimson Wave fans were in attendance to watch Mathis’ exciting, career moment.

Lawson presented Mathis with a new whistle, which he proudly placed around his neck. The audience cheered. The press conference took place at the PHS auditorium. Read this story at progress-index.com to watch the video to learn more about Mathis and his achievements.

Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.

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