SPORTS WRAP
By William Hathaway, Jr.
Photos By William Hathaway, Jr. and Felicia Laguerre Owens
On March 10, City of East Orange Mayor Ted Green hosted a Key to the City event to Super Bowl LIX Champion Jahan Dotson from the Philadelphia Eagles. Attending this event was his family and many other friends and dignitaries.
During the celebration, Dotson was also presented with a jersey and team helmet by East Orange Junior Jaguars Commissioner Sharonda Bailey, who coached Dotson during his youth playing for the team. Bailey said she was proud of him and his accomplishments.
Others on hand were members of the East Orange Junior Jaguars football team and members of the high school East Orange Jaguars football team along with head coach Joe Jacobs. Also in attendance was Clyde Bradshaw, who spoke on behalf of the family. He said how proud he was of Dotson’s accomplishments.
“I am extremely proud to present this Key to the City to Jahan Dotson, a young man who has impressed us as he has grown and excelled both on and off the field,” said Mayor Green. “This exceptional moment marks just the beginning of what promises to be a phenomenal career, and we are excited to follow his journey.”
Dotson, an accomplished wide receiver in the National Football League, is known for his speed, agility, and impressive hands. Born on March 22, 2000, to Robin and Al Dotson, Jahan developed a love for football early in life, leading him to play at the collegiate level before being drafted into the NFL. Jahan was a standout in both football and track during high school.
While he was known for his skills as a wide receiver, his athleticism and work ethic allowed him to excel at Nazareth Area High School. In his senior season, Dotson caught over 50 passes for more than 1,000 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. His ability to make plays at critical moments earned him recognition which helped set the stage for his transition to college football.
Dotson played college football at Penn State University, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top receivers in the country. He racked up over 2,000 yards receiving and scored 25 touchdowns during his college career. In his final season, Dotson earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
His remarkable performance at Penn State earned him a spot in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Washington Commanders. Since entering the NFL, Jahan has continued to impress with his route-running, athleticism, and ability to make plays in crucial moments. After two years with the Commanders, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Being here being honored is everything,” said Dotson. “It’s really special to be here. It means a lot.” He also thanked his family and acknowledged the community and Jaguars.
The last time a Super Bowl champion was honored by the city was back in 2018, when East Orange native Rasul Douglas was honored by Mayor Green while also playing for the Eagles, who won Super Bowl LII.
Finally, in high school basketball championship sports action, the Newark Tech boys won another Section 2 Group 1 crown, beating Arts 70-50. Also, East Orange lost to Ridgewood 70-52 in a game for the Section 1 Group 4 crown.
The West Orange ladies defeated Morristown 61-39 for the Section 1 Group 4 title, but University lost to Glen Ridge 50-44 in the Section 2 Group 1 final. Finally, the Montclair Immaculate girls team beat Gil St. Bernard’s 61-53 for the North Non-Public B Crown.
