Lakewood Ranch High named to Super Bowl High School Honor Roll

A two-time Super Bowl participant, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie started his football career in East County.

He attended Lakewood Ranch High and graduated in 2004. While attending the East County school, Cromartie was an All-Area, All-Class 5A and All-District 11 defensive back and wide receiver.

Although he attended four high schools throughout the state, Lakewood Ranch was the first school that allowed him to play.

Even after he graduated 12 years ago, Cromartie is still getting his Alma Mater attention. Feb. 2, the school received a Wilson Golden Football for its "contribution to the National Football League and the Super Bowl."

The 29-year-old played for the Cardinals and Broncos NFL teams and went to the Super Bowl once with each of those teams.

To commemorate the 50th Super Bowl, NFL officials visited high schools nationwide to present them with the keepsakes, because Super Bowl participants attended those schools and played football there. Officials are calling the event the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll.

Lakewood Ranch is among nearly 2,000 high schools that received the footballs.

Other county schools to receive the prize include Manatee and Southeast high schools. Florida had the third highest number of golden footballs — 218 — trailing only California and Texas. 

"All of these players from the School District of Manatee County left a lasting impact on their respective school and its football program," a school district press release said.