Justin Coleman

BIOGRAPHY

Born on March 27, 1993, Justin Jamal Coleman is a talented American football cornerback and nickelback who is currently an unsigned free agent. His football journey started in college and has taken him to various prestigious teams in the National Football League (NFL).

Raised in Brunswick, Georgia, Coleman attended Brunswick High School. A two-sport star, he excelled in both football and track for the Pirates. In 2008, as a sophomore, Coleman displayed his aptitude for the sport, making 71 tackles, four pass breakups, three sacks, and intercepting two passes. This performance only improved in his junior year where he totaled 83 tackles, six pass breakups, and six interceptions, also scoring a touchdown by returning a kickoff. As a senior in 2010, Coleman contributed to an undefeated district season. A dedicated sportsman, he also showcased talent in track & field, primarily in hurdles and sprinting.

Setting his sights on a career in football, Coleman enrolled in the University of Tennessee. He was a key player for the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 2011 to 2014. As a freshman, he played in all 12 games, starting four, and was one of sixteen freshmen to play for the Volunteers in 2011. His standout performances continued throughout his time at Tennessee, culminating in an invite to the East-West Shrine Game following his senior season where he made four tackles.

Foraying into professional football in 2015, Coleman signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. However, he was waived off during training camp which led to him being claimed by the New England Patriots in September. After a brief stint on their practice squad, he was signed off by the Seattle Seahawks only to be reclaimed by the Patriots for their active roster soon after.

Despite ups and downs with both teams, Coleman made his mark in the NFL with outstanding performances, leading to his first professional regular-season debut in September 2015. He ranked third on the depth chart going into Week 5, proving his mettle as an indispensable team player.

In 2016, his performance with the team contributed to the Patriots’ first-place finish in the AFC East with a 12-4 record. The following year he had the honor of winning Super Bowl LI with the Patriots.

After resigning with the Patriots in 2017, he was traded for a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Seahawks. He became a crucial player for the Seahawks, delivering unforgettable moments including a touchdown from an interception in October 2017.

Coleman’s evolution in the NFL continued in March 2018 when he was placed with a second-round restricted free agent tender by the Seahawks. He delivered yet another solid season, with highlights including an interception sealing the Seahawks’ victory over Detroit Lions.

In March 2019, Coleman entered a new chapter in his career by signing a four-year contract worth $36 million with the Detroit Lions. His time at the Lions was filled with achievements including intercepting a pass from Aaron Rodgers in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers.

After being released by the Lions on March 12, 2021, Coleman signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to Coleman’s placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list for a period in 2020, he adapted and thrived in the new normal. In November 2021, he continued his trend of heroic interceptions by picking off Lamar Jackson’s pass to seal a win for the Dolphins over the Baltimore Ravens.

Justin Jamal Coleman stands as a proven commodity and one of the most reliable players in the NFL today. With an illustrious and successful career in the league, he has not only consistently proven his exceptional talent as a cornerback and nickelback but also his resilience and adaptability in the complex and unpredictable world of professional football.