Derrick Coleman

Derrick Coleman Jr. is recognized as the first legally deaf offensive player in National Football League history, marking a significant milestone in professional football and disability advocacy. Diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at age 3, Coleman pursued his athletic ambitions, playing college football at UCLA as a running back while majoring in political science. In high school, he earned MVP and first-team all-league honors, setting school records for touchdowns, points scored, and rushing yards.

Although Coleman went undrafted in the NFL Draft, he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Seattle Seahawks. Utilizing specialized hearing aids and relying on lip-reading and visual cues, Coleman contributed to the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos, becoming the first deaf player to win a Super Bowl. His story was featured in a Duracell commercial, highlighting his journey as a deaf athlete. Coleman later played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals before retiring from professional football.

Off the field, Coleman has focused on advocacy and authorship. He wrote the book "No Excuses: Growing Up Deaf and Achieving My Super Bowl Dreams" and established the Derrick L. Coleman Jr. No Excuse Foundation, which supports, educates, and advocates for the hearing-impaired community and promotes anti-bullying initiatives. The foundation also raises funds to assist hearing-impaired students with the cost of hearing aids.

Coleman frequently speaks to students, educators, and community groups, often accompanied by an American Sign Language interpreter, sharing his experiences and promoting inclusion in sports and society. He serves as an assistant to player engagement for the Green Bay Packers, mentoring athletes and supporting player development. Coleman's career in the NFL, his advocacy for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and his work in youth mentorship underscore his ongoing impact in sports and disability awareness.