​NFL’s Week 8 is the Mid-Point! Let’s look back at ​Greg Coleman, Florida A&M and NFL Punter – Florida Sports HOF Member Spotlight Class of ’23

Greg Coleman is recognized as one of the pioneers of professional football, breaking barriers as one of the first African American punters in the National Football League. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Coleman starred at Florida A&M University before being selected in the 14th round of the 1976 NFL Draft. His journey from a standout collegiate athlete to an NFL trailblazer helped open doors for future generations of African American special teams players.

During his 12-year NFL career, Coleman played for the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins. He became best known for his decade-long tenure with the Vikings, where he earned a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable punters. Over 162 career games, he accumulated more than 33,000 punting yards and was respected for both his consistency and field-position strategy.

Nicknamed “Coffin Corner,” Coleman was renowned for his ability to place punts deep in opposing territory, pinning opponents near their goal line. His athleticism also made him unique among punters, as teams often had to prepare for the possibility of a fake punt because of his speed and running ability. His impact on the Vikings was so significant that fans voted him onto the franchise’s 40th Anniversary Team, cementing his place in team history.

Coleman’s legacy extends far beyond his playing days. A member of the Florida A&M Football Hall of Fame, the State of Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame, and the Black College Football Hall of Fame, he has been celebrated for both his athletic achievements and his role as a pioneer in the sport. In 2023, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, honoring a career that combined excellence, perseverance, and lasting influence on the game of football. (Photo Credit:Pioneer Press)

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For more than six decades, the Florida Sports Hall of Fame has honored Florida’s greatest athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors while using their stories to inspire young people to pursue sports, fitness and personal excellence.
Now, for the first time, you can help strengthen that mission by becoming a Florida Sports Hall of Fame Patron. For just $75, your Patron Membership directly supports our outreach programs, youth initiatives, and statewide efforts to celebrate the values of discipline, perseverance and achievement. Your contribution ensures the inspiring stories of our more than 300 Hall of Fame members continue to reach communities across Florida.

As a Patron, you will receive:
Customizable Florida Sports Hall of Fame cap
Luggage tag
Monthly insider newsletter with exclusive stories and behind the scenes features
Opportunity to nominate future Hall of Fame Inductees
Merchandise Discounts
Early access to select events and announcements
Recognition on the Florida Sports Hall of Fame website

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Join us as we continue to celebrate, recognize and engage the best in Florida sports. Together we can honor the legends who shaped Florida sports and inspire the young athletes who will shape its future!

Contact:
Florida Sports Hall of Fame
#FloridaSportsHOF1961 https://flasportshof.org/
Ginger Kane, Executive Director [email protected]