As Generation Gridiron, former Jacksonville
Jaguars stars have returned to Providence School to coach the
Stallions, leading their sons and the team to impressive progress
under Head Coach Maurice
Williams.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At Providence School in
Jacksonville, six former
Jacksonville Jaguars players — four of whom battled together in the
2007 NFL playoffs — have returned to the gridiron. This time,
however, they're not playing but coaching the school's varsity
football team, the Stallions. Even more exciting, these coaches are
passing the torch to their seven sons, collectively called
"Generation Gridiron," now teammates on the field.
6vFormer Jacksonville Jaguars stars are
coaching together, leading their sons and the team to impressive
progress.
Bringing their NFL expertise and passion for the game, these six
former Jaguars are leading the Stallions with the same heart and
intensity they once showed on game day. Under the guidance of Head
Coach Maurice (Moe) Williams —
father to senior Mason and freshman Myles
Williams — the private Christian high school team is also
coached by Reggie Hayward (father to
senior Sam and sophomore Israel
Hayward), Joe Zelenka (father
to senior Benjamin Zelenka),
Greg Jones (father to junior
Caden Jones), Chris Ziemann (father to freshman Maddyx
Ziemann), and Roy Miller.
"When the opportunity to return to Providence as Head Coach came up, I was
thrilled — especially with my son now on the team," says Williams,
who took on the role in 2022 after a nine-year pro career of
starting 100 games for the Jaguars and a successful run as an
offensive assistant at Providence
from 2013 to 2017. "When it came time to build my coaching staff, I
reached out to my former teammates, and the response was unanimous:
'Count me in!'"
Williams built much of his staff with former Jaguars players who
were committed to preparing their sons for the real world through
sports and education. The coaches emphasize responsibility and
professionalism, guiding the boys to understand the discipline
required to succeed. They also inspire them by sharing their
experiences, reminding the players that while the journey is
challenging, it's one they've successfully walked.
"When I started this coaching journey, the goal was to use
sports as a platform to help my kids get into college and prepare
for life," says Assistant Coach Reggie
Hayward, who played nine seasons for the Denver Broncos and
Jaguars and is a recent Iowa State Hall of Famer. "I remind them
it's not about chasing fame — it's about discipline and
professionalism. What you see on social media or TV isn't the full
story. Sports can open doors, but it takes hard work and focus to
go far, both on and off the field."
Williams and his coaching staff impart the practical knowledge
they've gained playing football in the NFL and the intangibles that
contribute to success in the real world: hard work, teamwork,
mental toughness, integrity, and a competitive spirit. "My coaching
philosophy is that we're called to raise a generation of young men
to be impacters for greatness in our world," he says.
The impact of their fathers' coaching goes beyond the field.
Mason Williams reflects on the
unique experience of having his father, "Coach Moe," as his mentor:
"It's rare for a kid to practice and see their dad as the head
coach. He's consistent on and off the field, coaching with the same
dedication and care as he shows at home. His NFL experience sets a
high bar for work ethic, and seeing his achievements motivates me
to follow in his footsteps."
Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Joe
Zelenka, who enjoyed a distinguished 13-season NFL career,
nine with the Jaguars, shares his perspective on coaching: "With my
fellow coaches, we're still sharing the highs and lows around
football, arguably the greatest team sport. In football, it takes
an entire team to win. We were students of the game, around the
best coaches and players. Now, we can coach the players, including
our sons, as we help grow them into young men."
Since Williams and his pro coaching team took over the
Providence Stallions, the team has seen remarkable progress. "When
I inherited the program, they were coming off a challenging year,"
Williams said. "In our first season, we turned things around with
five wins. Last year, we achieved a 7-4 record, made the playoffs,
and came just one game shy of winning the division. We had some
huge wins along the way."
With a current record of 3-1 in 2024, the Stallions are poised
to build on their recent successes. "This year, we're aiming to
improve on what we achieved last year," Williams adds. "We're
looking to win the division and make the playoffs again. We're
trending in the right direction."
The Stallions' coaches and players are excited about their
ongoing progress and remain focused on their season goals.
About Providence School and The Stallions
Providence
School of Jacksonville, Florida,
is a premier private, co-ed Christian institution offering a
comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade. The
school emphasizes college preparatory academics, award-winning fine
arts, and a championship-level athletics program. Providence integrates faith into daily life as
a Christ-centered community with activities like weekly chapel
services and global mission opportunities. Known for its rigorous
curriculum, the school also boasts a 100% college acceptance rate
for its graduates. The Providence High School Stallions
varsity football team carries on a proud tradition of success both
on and off the field. Since its founding in 1998, the program has
built a reputation for its aggressive defense and high-powered
offense. Under the leadership of a dedicated coaching staff led by
Head Coach Maurice "Moe" Williams and other NFL greats, the
Stallions emphasize not just athletic achievement but also the
development of character and leadership through faith. Many former
players have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional
levels. As the team grows, with expanded facilities and player
development programs, Providence High remains committed to
fostering young men into future leaders through competition and
service.
For additional information, visit www.prov.org and
www.generationgridiron.com
Photos:
Photographer credit: UTR Productions
Contact: Megan Hayward
Email: press@generationgridiron.com
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SOURCE Generation Gridiron