Former NFL defensive back and South Sumter High School graduate Clinton Hart has been named the new head football coach at Trinity Catholic High School, marking the latest chapter in a unique and inspiring athletic journey.

Hart, 47, brings with him a wealth of playing experience and a deeply personal understanding of perseverance and growth. A standout two-sport athlete in high school, Hart excelled in both football and baseball but faced academic challenges that limited his opportunities at the collegiate level. Despite a promising football career, a low SAT score left him with few offers, prompting him to pursue baseball at the Central Florida.

Drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 32nd round of the 2000 MLB Draft, Hart’s professional career began on the diamond. However, his passion for football never faded. In 2000, he transitioned to the Arena Football League, where he impressed with the Tallahassee Thunder (af2) and Tampa Bay Storm, logging 69 tackles and 24 interceptions in his lone AFL season.

Hart’s performance earned him a spot with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002, including a stint in NFL Europe with the Rhein Fire and Amsterdam Admirals. He appeared in nine games for the Eagles in 2003 before being waived the following year. His NFL career flourished after the San Diego Chargers claimed him off waivers in 2004.

Hart played for the San Diego Chargers now known as the LA Chargers. Credit – NFL.

With the Chargers from 2004 to 2009, Hart emerged as a key contributor at safety, including a standout 2004 campaign where he scored two defensive touchdowns. He later joined the St. Louis Rams and finished his career with nine playoff appearances between 2003 and 2008.

Following his playing days, Hart founded Healthy Harts Fitness in Ocala and began coaching in 2017 as the defensive coordinator at Ocala Christian Academy. His younger brother, Keanu Neal, also a South Sumter graduate, followed a similar path to the NFL and played in Super Bowl LI with the Atlanta Falcons. Neal also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

(Coach Hart still gets in the gym and looks as fit as ever. He still looks like he could play! Coach Hart is deeply committed to helping others lose weight and be the best versions of themselves.)

Now preparing to lead Trinity Catholic, Coach Hart brings with him a story that proves to never give up. Despite everything that he was up against, Hart pushed through the adversity and lived his dream of playing professional football. It’s a dream that has now transitioned to giving back to the youth players so that perhaps they can one day experience what he did. “I wanna thank God for this chance to reach young men. It took a lot because I always and forever will be a Raider. I prayed about it and I had to realize it’s not about just RED n BLACK , GREEN n GOLD or any other Colors. It’s about our youth and they need Development and Discipline. I am not afraid to discipline your child. I wanna win off the field at home in classrooms then on the field, bringing the culture I grew up to the front and center.”

Coach Hart will turn 48 on July 20th and begins his tenure at Trinity Catholic looking to breath fresh life into a program with a very storied history. We wish him the best of luck!

Photo Credit – Main – Trinity Catholic High