No Excuses
By Derrick Coleman
Jr. with Marcus Brotherton
Derrick Coleman is #40, fullback for the Seahawks and part
of the Super Bowl XLVIII championship team.
He made history by becoming the first deaf offensive player in the
NFL. He tackled Trindon Holliday at the 12-yard line on the opening kickoff of
Super Bowl XLVIII - getting the game started right I’d say. And the rest is history, including the first
Super Bowl Championship team that included a deaf player.
All Twelves, and football fans will enjoy his new memoir
book. It’s so interesting to read about
his childhood and his progression from Pop Warner, to High School football, and
then trying to get into the NFL, and then the story about what it was like to
be in that Super Bowl! But that is just
the icing on the cake, because this book brings to life so much more than just
football.
I had the privilege to meet Derrick Coleman Jr. at his
recent book signing at Third Place Books.
His memoir is written is such a conversational and personal way, that
when I met him I felt an instant connection through what I’d read. Mixed into the life stories are life lessons
that feel so sincere and embraceable.
This isn’t a book that preaches at you what you should do; it takes your
hand and shows you what works. He shows
you the importance of having goals, and of pursuing them.
This book is about a man who persevered to overcome in a big
way his obstacle of being deaf. That has
been an incredible inspiration for so many in the deaf community – kids and
adults. I would never discount
that. Standing in line at the book
signing I was surrounded by so many people who told me how inspired they are by
him for exactly that hope that he’s showed them. Yet, as he says himself, we all have
obstacles that we have to overcome to achieve our goals. He has written a book of sincere and plain
spoken inspiration for anyone who has ever dreamed and been told they couldn’t
do that.
I can tell you that in person Derrick Coleman Jr. is a
humble, caring, and compelling man. His
whole face and demeanor lights up around kids, and he’s given back to kids in
many ways. In a recent interview this
UCLA graduate told kids, “The sky’s
the limit for you; I’m nobody special. If I can make it to college, y’all can
too. Don’t have any excuse. Whatever it is you want to do, do it. Have fun and don’t worry about other people.”
Derrick Coleman has confronted even
more than the one obstacle in his life, and he’s learned many things from his
struggles, that he’s now sharing. His
sense of humor has softened life’s blows, and adds to this engaging read.
For you football fans and Twelves, yes there are some
tantalizing stories you’ll enjoy. His memoir
is about such recent history, you’ll recognize many of the people included. Thankfully Coleman has recovered from his foot injury, says he’s feeling good, and
participated in all of Seattle’s Organized Team Activities, which are now done. All indications are that he’s preparing for
his second season as the Seahawks’ likely starter at fullback. As always, Derrick Coleman takes nothing for
granted.
If Derrick Coleman Jr. was signing off from this
recommendation, he’d say to you - Be Great!!
I’ll add, Go Hawks!
Thereby hangs a tale . . . .
