Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Vikings sign Derrick Coleman, a deaf UCLA Bruin


Derrick Coleman playing for the Bruins. (Photo from Creative Commons)

Every so often in the world of sports we get a really inspiring story. Derrick Coleman, currently signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent, is undeniably one of those stories. Coleman lost his hearing as a child but continued to play football exceptionally well - he's spent the last few years playing as a running back for the UCLA Bruins. His coaches and teammates have said his disability hasn't gotten in the way of his playing (he can read lips fluently), and Coleman himself said the only disadvantage is that he doesn't hear the whistle signalling the end of the play, although that might be an advantage because he never stops.

Sometimes it's just nice to hear a story of a Viking overcoming the odds and Derrick Coleman certainly did that.

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