The Seattle Seahawks and running back Derrick Coleman are getting ready to play their biggest game of the season Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. The 12th man in Seattle will be loud and cause a hard environment to play in. One player that will not be effected by the sound is the Seahawks running back Derrick Coleman. Coleman has been deaf since around age three and it is truly amazing how far he has come.
Coleman was bullied in school because of his hearing disability. But, as he was going through school, he kept working hard and eventually found success in football, which landed him at UCLA. In his career at UCLA he rushed for 1,700 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, but was passed over in the NFL draft.
- Advertisement -
That only pushed Coleman to work harder. He wanted to prove every team wrong that passed on him in the draft. After the draft, he was invited to try out for the Seahawks. Through all his hard work, perseverance and commitment….he made the team! He started as a bullied deaf child in school and grew into a professional NFL running back. Wow. Talk about inspirational.
- Advertisement -
Coleman and teammate Russell Wilson
He was always told, no. He was always told he can’t. Well, look at him now. Him and his teammates are one win away from one of the biggest events in all of sports, the Superbowl. Not many people get even close to an opportunity like this. Coleman, like a real man, adjusted. He adjusted to his disability. He adjusted to the negativity. Finally, he adjusted to game. Because of his hard work and dedication, he can now play professional football despite his disability.
