Chad Garrett Cota is a former professional American football strong safety in the NFL. He attended Ashland High School followed by the University of Oregon. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 1995 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and the St. Louis Rams over eight seasons. He retired in 2003. He was named to the Carolina Panthers 10 Year Anniversary Team as a safety. His interception in the end zone versus Pittsburgh on the Steelers final possession to preserve victory and clinch the NFC West division title is named as the #10 most memorable play in Carolina Panthers history. Chad Cota is also part owner of Prime Time Ventures which is DBA InfoStructure in Ashland, Oregon. 

August 8th, 1971 in Ashland (Age 53)