Joe Cocozzo at his parents’ Mechanicville home on June 22, 1998. Times Union Staff Photo by Jonathan Fickies
Joe Cocozzo, an offensive guard for the University of Michigan from 1989 to 1992 and the San Diego Chargers from 1993 to 1997, will receive a commemorative golden football from school officials for his accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in the community at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday in the Mechanicville Jr./Sr. High School Gymnasium.
The 1988 graduate of Mechanicville High School started 13 regular season games at left guard for the 1994 San Diego Chargers, a team that won the AFC championship, but lost Super Bowl XXIX to the San Francisco 49ers.
The golden footballs distributed by the NFL feature the school’s name and location, honoree’s name and the Super Bowl number for which the honoree appeared in. The NFL Foundation will provide Mechanicville High School with a new character education curriculum and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to help support and grow their football program.