Only three deaf athletes have played in the NFL, and Seattle Seahawk’s Derrick Coleman is one of them. The 6 foot 233 pounder, Running Back/Fullback made the Seahawks squad out of training camp.
At around age 3 Coleman’s parents started to notice his speech was slow to develop. He didn’t always respond when he was spoken to. Doctors later found that the loss was genetic, which resulted from the absence of key genes from each parent. His hearing continued to worsen until middle school where it finally leveled off.
But he has never been brought down due to his circumstances, stating “It’s never held me back, and it’s not going to start now.’’
He began playing basketball and football in the 7th grade, where he found out his hearing wouldn’t be problematic. He used his resourcefulness to fit in seamlessly, and perfected his craft of football in the process.
Out of High School he was very heavily recruited and attended UCLA for four years. He rushed for 1,780 years throughout his career, while also earning second team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior for Special Teams.
He even looks at what some may think is a disadvantage, as an advantage, due to his ability to block out loud fans as they attempt to affect his performance. The question you probably all are thinking is, how? Lip reading and great hearing aids is your answer.
Coleman will read the lips of his coaches and teammates and verify that he has understood correctly. On audibles QB Russell Wilson will turn around and make sure he understands. He also makes sure to change the batteries in his hearing aids so they never run out during the games. Head Coach Pete Carroll says that he doesn’t notice, going as far as saying “you would never know.’’
Running back coach Sherman Smith said he almost forgets sometimes and doesn’t have to change anything he does, besides talking a little louder in film sessions when sitting behind him. Coleman prefers special teams more than offense, which may be the biggest reason he made the team.
Not only does Carroll say he is one of the most dependable special team players, but can also be used as depth for the runningback/fullback positions. His great mentality and work ethic has not only make him a favorite around teammates and coaches, but to the very passionate Seattle fan base.
He proves that not only anything his possible no matter what life throws at you, but that he is one hell of an athlete and football player. In his debut in the NFL against the Carolina Panthers, Coleman helped the Hawks win a nail biter 12-7, with 3 catches for 30 yards. For a more in depth view of how he does what he does, watch this interview from last year.
