Cocozzo was born in Mechanicville, New York, in 1970. He attended Mechanicville High School.[1] He was a star football player for the Mechanicville Red Raiders.[2] His high school honored him at a 2013 ceremony in which his jersey (#77) was put on permanent display.[3]
Cocozzo was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round (64th overall pick) of the 1993 NFL draft.[11] In July 1993, he signed a three-year contract with the Chargers.[12] He played five seasons for the Chargers from 1993 to 1997. He appeared in 77 NFL games, including 48 games as a starter.[1] He started 13 regular season games at left guard for the 1994 San Diego Chargers that won the AFC Championship Game, but lost Super Bowl XXIX to the San Francisco 49ers.[1][2]
He signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent in June 1998.[13] He injured his elbow during training camp and was cut with an injury settlement. After rehabilitating for a year, he went to training camp with the New Orleans Saints in 1999. He broke ribs on the first day of training camp when he was hit by a running back. He announced his official retirement before the 2000 season.[14]
Later life
Cocozzo retired from football after suffering injuries, ultimately undergoing three operations on his left shoulder. When his playing career was over, he returned to Stillwater and purchased 350 acres adjacent to the Saratoga Battlefield.[14] He later married Amanda Marshall. He and his wife have two sons, Anthony and James.[3]
