Education
Coleman attended Carver High School, where he was a part of the last graduating class, before the school merged with Spartanburg High School.
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Ralph Coleman
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Career
He played college football for North Carolina A&T University. He was a three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track). He accepted a scholarship from North Carolina A&T University to play defensive tackle.
He was converted to linebacker and became a four-year starter.
Dallas Cowboys
Coleman was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the in the eighth round (208th overall) of the 1972 NFL draft, and became the first African-American linebacker to make the team in franchise history. He started the year in the taxi squad, before being promoted to the active roster after Chuck Howley was injured.
He played mainly on special teams, including the playoffs. After not agreeing with his playing time and contract, he forced the team to trade him to the Houston Oilers in exchange for a conditional draft pick (not exercised).
Houston Oilers
Coleman was waived by the Houston Oilers before the start of the 1973 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On March 23, 1976, he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. He was released on July 12.
