A city that grows greatness in bloodlines
Some towns are remembered for one star. Fort Myers is remembered for houses — families and neighborhoods where greatness shows up again and again. To understand the 239, you start with the names.
The Sanders
Deion Sanders came out of North Fort Myers High School, went on to Florida State, and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His path from the 239 to Canton is the story every young athlete in this city grows up hearing.
The Kearse
Jevon Kearse also came out of North Fort Myers High School, starred at Florida, and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The house did not stop with him — his nephew, Jayron Kearse, followed him to the NFL.
The Watkins
Sammy Watkins came out of South Fort Myers High School, played at Clemson, and became a Super Bowl champion. His half-brother, Jaylen Watkins, also earned a Super Bowl ring. Two brothers, two rings, one city.
The Cody and the German
Terrence Cody played at Riverdale High School before Alabama and the Baltimore Ravens. Jammi German starred at Fort Myers High School, was named Florida Mr. Football in 1992, and went on to Miami.
Also honored
The list of names runs deep: Phillip Buchanon. Tre Boston. Noel Devine. Earnest Graham, and his son Myles. Destanni Henderson, who won three straight state titles at Fort Myers High School, a national championship at South Carolina, and went on to the WNBA. And Mike Greenwell of the Boston Red Sox, who passed in October 2025 — remembered here with gratitude.
Handed down
Greatness in Fort Myers is not an accident. It is inherited, coached, and handed down.