Derrick Coleman’s track record as the third deaf person to ever play in the National Football League (NFL) proved that limitations can be a problem. After signing his first professional contract with Minnesota Vikings, he joined the league as an undrafted free agent. Since then he has played for a few other teams including the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals.
Even so, his records aren’t among the most impressive compared to a few other successful athletes, but his ability to overcome his deformity is what has propelled him to fame. Many of his fans and sports analysts have often concluded that despite his success, his deformity still contributes to his hiatus from the game. There’s more to this amazing baller than the slacks that many see. In the following article, you will not only learn more about him, but also about his rise to stardom.
Derrick Coleman’s biography
Surprisingly, Derrick Coleman was born perfectly healthy on October 18, 1990 in West Los Angeles, California, USA. But at the age of three he was diagnosed with a hearing disorder which was really disheartening for his parents, Derrick Coleman Snr. and May Evans. They decided to raise him like a normal kid and not let the bad news about his future dictate them. They stood by him during his early years and made sure he had the best things in life.
David’s interest in football began as a 7th grader and it was at this time that he expressed his interest in the game to his parents. Like any protective mother, May was uncomfortable with his choice of hobby and tried to talk him out of it, but being as determined as he was, Derrick decided it was either football or nothing else. At his insistence, his parents decided to see his doctor, who gave his approval. This was after David mastered the use of the hearing aid he acquired in elementary school.
Being bullied with a flaw like his was normal for him, often being spoken to rudely and being called a snobbish little boy, few understood his plight. He always had to be on guard and extra careful not to get in each other’s way or get in anyone’s way. He summoned up the courage to do what he loved, regardless of the bullying that came with it, and joined the school’s soccer team. He did his best with the team and as a senior he was named Team Most Valuable Player and First Team All League. He was also named second for ESPN’s Defender of the Nation.
Despite his record as a gym student, DerrickColeman hadn’t qualified for the National Football League draft with his friends, but that didn’t deter him one bit when he decided to pursue his career as an undrafted free agent. He first started out with the Minnesota Vikings, with whom he played briefly before being retired that same year. It looked like the sky was completely cloudy for the footballer until the Seattle Seahawks team gave him hope when they signed him later that same year. With the team, he recorded his first touchdown in a game against the New Orleans Saints. The fullback later joined the Atlanta Falcons, showed his athletic ability on the team and is currently with the Arizona Cardinals.
Wealth (income and earnings)
Briefly played for a few football teams, Derrick’s salary has varied over the years. With the Arizona Cardinals, he ranks 38th on the team’s active roster after cap hitting $630,000 as of 2018. Its value is currently estimated at $3 million.
family – son
Information on Derrick Coleman’s son is nowhere on record and mostly liely because he has no son. Derrick is often confused with his namesake, Derrick Coleman, who was also one of the most successful NBA stars of his heyday.
To the best of our knowledge, Derrick Coleman (the American Football Champion) has never been married and as such has no sons anywhere. He is currently believed to be single after going through a rough patch in his relationship with sportscaster Suzi Mellano. However, we’ll definitely keep you updated as soon as we pin down details of his personal life.
is he deaf
Yes, the NFL player is deaf, but he’s one of the few who hasn’t let the disability stop them from working hard to achieve their dreams despite so many setbacks. Records state that Derrick is the third deaf football player in NFL history, after Bonnie Sloan and Kenny Walker.