Erik Coleman

Infobox NFLactive


name=Erik Coleman
currentteam=Atlanta Falcons
currentnumber=26
currentpositionplain=Safety
birthdate=birth date and age|1982|5|6
birthplace=Sacramento, California
heightft=5
heightin=10
weight=200
debutyear=2004
debutteam=New York Jets
college=Washington State
draftyear=2004
draftround=5
draftpick=143
pastteams=
* New York Jets (2004-2007)
* Atlanta Falcons (2008-present)
status=Active
nfl=COL271731

Erik Coleman (born May 6, 1982 in Sacramento, California) is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington State.

College career

Coleman played college football at Washington State. He majored in communications.

Professional career

New York Jets

Coleman was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He unexpectedly became one of the most important Jet defenders, cementing his starting role with interceptions in each of his first two NFL games. He finished the season as the NFL's highest grossing member of its performance-pay program, the league's plan for rewarding low-salary players who outperform their contracts. In week six of the 2005 season against the Buffalo Bills he made a career high 14 tackles. Before the 2006 season Coleman underwent an appendectomy, slowing his production that season. He eventually lost his starting spot late in 2007 to Abram Elam. During his tenure with the New York Jets he started in 45 of 48 regular season games.

Atlanta Falcons

On March 1, 2008, Coleman was signed by the Atlanta Falcons.

External links

* [http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/player/881-erik-coleman New York Jets bio]