Melrose High School has named alumnus Cedrick C. Wilson Sr. as the new head football coach of the Golden Wildcats, Memphis-Shelby County Schools announced in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
A native of the Orange Mound community, Wilson has built a championship resume at every level of football. As quarterback for the Golden Wildcats, he led Melrose to a perfect 15-0 season and captured the Tennessee State Championship in 1996, securing his place as one of the most accomplished athletes in school history, the release stated.
Wilson continued his athletic excellence at the University of Tennessee, where he transitioned to wide receiver and contributed to the Volunteers’ undefeated season and their 1998 victory in the BCS National Championship, including a Fiesta Bowl win over Florida State University.
In 2001, Wilson was drafted into the NFL, playing for the San Francisco 49ers and later the Pittsburgh Steelers. His professional career includes more than 2,300 receiving yards and earning a championship ring in Super Bowl XL with the Steelers.
Following his NFL career, Wilson returned to Memphis to serve the next generation of scholars and athletes. He currently supports students as an RTI²-B behavioral specialist with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, serving both Melrose and Hanley Elementary School.
His selection as head football coach represents a strategic investment in athletic excellence and a reaffirmation of Melrose’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes, the district release said.
“It is an honor to return home and lead the program that shaped me,” said Wilson,who previously coached at the school from 2019-21. “Melrose means family, tradition and excellence. I am committed to building champions on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
