Nickell Robey-Coleman

Nickell Robey-Coleman's Biography

Nickell Earl Robey-Coleman, born on January 17, 1992, in Frostproof, Florida, is a prominent name in American football. Best known for his dynamic performance on the field as a cornerback, Robey-Coleman’s journey in the sport has seen him play for several eminent teams. He is a free agent, having remained an undrafted free agent in 2013 until signed by the Buffalo Bills. Post his tenure with the Bills, Robey-Coleman represented the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Growing up in Frostproof, Robey-Coleman showcased his sporting talent early on as a student at Frostproof Middle-Senior High School. Playing various positions for the Bulldogs’ football team–from quarterback to defensive back and even return specialist–he displayed his versatility and skills on the field. He made a significant mark in his senior year in 2009, with 764 yards on 88 carries, nine touchdowns, 17 passes for 232 yards, and six touchdowns on offense. On the defensive front, he boasted 73 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Moreover, he was an equally adept player in baseball and track events.

His exceptional abilities did not go unnoticed. Rivals.com, a renowned recruiting service, ranked him as a four-star recruit and the ninth-best cornerback in the country emerging from high school. The decisiveness of choosing a college saw him settle for USC over other prolific institutions, such as West Virginia, Tennessee, and Clemson.

Robey-Coleman’s journey at USC was marked by success and growth. He began as a wide receiver but quickly transitioned to the cornerback position in his freshman year, 2010. His significant contributions earned him spots on multiple ‘Best’ lists, such as the 2010 Collegefootballnews.com Freshman All-American honorable mention list and Phil Steele’s All-Pac-10 fourth team.

His performances continued to impress in his sophomore year, 2011, as he posted a record of 63 tackles, had nine deflections and intercepted twice. For his impressive play, he received first-team All-Pac-12 selection and named the 2011 CollegeFootballNews.com Sophomore All-American second team.

In his final year, 2012, Robey-Coleman continued to demonstrate his skills, being a Jim Thorpe Award candidate and returning punts and kicks. His consistent performance on the field earned him a second-team All-Pac-12 selection again. Instead of playing his senior season, Robey-Coleman decided to enter the 2013 NFL draft.

His entry into the professional league saw him as an undrafted free agent. The Buffalo Bills signed him in 2013 following the NFL draft conclusion. In his debut season, his highlights include a return of a 19-yard interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in a Week 7 matchup which marked his first interception.

From 2013, his journey with the Bills was marked with continuous growth. In 2015, he signed a two-year contract extension. There were tangible improvements in his performance, and his second NFL season stats included impressive numbers: 46 tackles, one sack, one stuff, and one pass defensed.

In 2016, one of the significant moment included a 36-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the New York Jets in week 2. By the end of the season, Robey-Coleman became proficient with 35 recorded tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defensed. However, his stint with the Bills ended in March 2017 when the team released him.

Following this, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in April 2017. With the Rams, his role was of a primary slot corner and nickelback, helping to solidify the team’s defense. Robey-Coleman witnessed a career high in the 2017 season with 49 tackles, nine passes defensed, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. His consistent performance led to a three-year contract extension with the Rams in March 2018.

Robey-Coleman’s time with the Rams was characterized by memorable performances. He played a key role in their journey to Super Bowl LIII in the 2018-2019 season, which also saw a controversial moment in the NFC Championship against the New Orleans Saints. This incident led to a fine, but it did not deter his determination. Despite the Rams not winning the Super Bowl, his presence on the field was notable.

By the conclusion of the contract with the Rams in March 2020, Robey-Coleman had emerged as an impactful player with notable statistics: 36 total tackles, seven passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He was subsequently signed by Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year contract. He was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on January 3, 2021, and activated on January 20. Post that, he played for the Detroit Lions before eventually moving to Las Vegas Raiders’ squad in 2022.

Off the field, Robey-Coleman has faced significant personal losses. In 2010, his mother passed away due to heart failure, leaving a lasting impact on him. Despite the personal tragedy, he remained committed to his mother’s aspirations for him to complete his college degree. He fulfilled the promise by graduating in 2019 with a degree in policy, planning, and development, with an emphasis on real estate development. Another tragic event was the demise of his son, Nickell Jr., shortly after his birth in 2018 due to lung complications.

Despite facing numerous challenges and changes, Robey-Coleman remains passionate about his craft and has carved out a respected name in the world of American football. His commitment to improvement, adaptability, and sheer talent promises more exciting moments in his career in the future.