Professional Football and Military Service
Coleman was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the 8th round (88th overall pick) of the 1952 NFL Draft. Coleman initially "turned down all offers" from the Cardinals, saying that he felt he was too small at 185 pounds to make much of a showing in professional football. In August 1952, Coleman noted that any thought he may have had of playing for the Cardinals vanished when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was required to report to Fort Lee, Virginia, after appearing in the College All-Star Game in August 1952. Coleman served for two years in the U.S. Army, including one year in Korea.
After being discharged from the Army, Coleman signed with the Cardinals and reported to training camp in August 1954. He appeared in the Cardinals' starting lineup for an exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers at Minneapolis. On September 1, 1954, the Cardinals traded Coleman to the Green Bay Packers for defensive halfback Marvin Johnson. Coleman chose not to play for the Packers and instead returned to Flint, Michigan as a school teacher. Interviewed in 2007, Coleman expressed no regrets at passing on the opportunity: "I haven't regretted anything I've done, including saying no to the Green Bay Packers. Giving up football gave me a chance to get started working with communities. I hope I've been a Jackie Robinson on a smaller scale. I always wanted to set an example and do the right thing. And nothing feels better than when someone says, 'I always wanted to be a Don Coleman.'"
Read more about this topic: Don Coleman
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