Featured Article Summary #80

Cosimo O. Brocato Jr. was a well-known American scout, coach, and football player. He spent most of his career with the Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans, working as a scout from 1974 to 1976 and again from 1981 until his death in 2015. Brocato played college football for the Baylor Bears and was selected in the 1953 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals, but he chose to pursue a coaching career instead. He had various coaching positions before becoming a scout for the Houston Oilers in 1974. Brocato is highly regarded by his colleagues and is considered one of the greatest scouts in football history. He invented the three-cone drill and mentored many scouts throughout his career. Brocato has been considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. C. O. Brocato was born on October 31, 1929, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and had eight siblings. He attended St. John's High School where he played football as a fullback and placekicker, earning All-City honors in 1947 and serving as team captain in 1948. He also played baseball at St. John's. C. O. Brocato attended Baylor University and played on the football team as a center and linebacker. He gained a reputation as one of the best college football kickers in clutch situations. Brocato was also a co-captain of the team and played baseball and competed in boxing tournaments. After being drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL, Brocato was told he was not heavy enough to play professionally and decided to pursue a master's degree and coaching instead. Brocato also played minor league baseball with the Homer Oilers. Brocato began his coaching career in 1954 as an assistant coach for Haynesville High School. He also served as the head coach of the basketball team and taught social science and physical education. He then became the head football coach at St. John's High School (later renamed Jesuit High School) and led the team to multiple successful seasons, including district championships and a state championship in 1967. He later coached at Northern Arizona University and the University of Texas–Arlington before becoming a scout for the Houston Oilers.