Spotlight on Derrick Coleman
Derrick Coleman is the first legally deaf person to play on an offensive line in the NFL. Inspiring hearing impaired children of all races, he has met several of his young fans to reinforce the idea that their disability shouldn't stop them form doing what they want to do. Yesterday (February 2, 2014), he helped his team win Super Bowl XLVIII.
Importance
The reason I chose to spotlight Derrick Coleman back in 2014 was two-fold. Number one, it is rare that we ever talk about disabled people in black history, especially in the arena of sports! Number two, I thought it was cool that because he fits in to two minority categories (black and legally deaf) he not only served as an inspiration for black people but for people of all races.
Limitations Won’t Stop Me
I'm not perfect
I have limitations
But that won't stop me,
Discourage or burry meI will fight--
When my body fails
And everyone else is stronger
Somewhere, somehow
Strength will find me
Sneak up from behind
And tackle them full force
Because I won't give up
References
- Cindy Boren. "Super Bowl 2014: Derrick Coleman surprises hearing-impaired girls (video)". Washington Post. January 30, 2014
- Christian Red. "EXCLUSIVE: Seahawks' Derrick Coleman surprises hearing-impaired boy, 10, with jersey". NY Daily News. February 1, 2014
- Vaughn McClure. “Derrick Coleman, NFL's first deaf offensive player, ready to start over with Falcons”. ESPN. June 13, 2017; visited August 2022
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