Duracell is helping shed some light on the little known inspirational story of Derrick Coleman in the NFL. He is featured in their new ad for the “Trust Your Power” campaign which has garnered 1.7 million views on YouTube since it debuted on January 10.
Coleman plays fullback for the Seattle Seahawks. He is second on their depth chart. He went undrafted. As a fullback, he doesn’t get a chance to rack up big stats — add to the fact he is a rookie. None of that makes him especially noteworthy.
Coleman has been deaf since he was three-years-old.
Despite the need of hearing aides, Coleman has been defying doubters (and bullies) his whole life. He had a dream and kept running towards it. He started gaining notice when he was a running back at UCLA (averaged 600 yards and 8 TDS in last two years). Despite his coaches claims to NFL scouts that Coleman’s disability never effected his play, he went undrafted.
The Vikings gave him a brief try, but cut him. The Seahawks signed him to the practice squad and were impressed enough in pre-season play that he made the roster as a fullback.
He is more than inspirational. He is a contributing member to a team fighting for Super Bowl glory.
And, for all of the 12th Men out there… he says that while he doesn’t get to hear all of the famous noise created, he definitely feels it. As, he told NFL.com, I don’t hear it at the same level, which plays to my advantage. I’m not worried about noise because I already have a hard time hearing. I’m just focused a little more. In terms of the vibe and the feeling of the fans and all that, I feel exactly the same. I just don’t have to worry about the noise.”
And, there should be plenty of noise this Sunday when the Seahawks host the 49ers.
Brian Reddoch is a CraveOnline reporter and rabid fan of all teams Seattle. You can follow him on Twitter @ReddReddoch or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
