Marco Coleman facts for kids

Marco Darnell Coleman (born December 18, 1969) is a coach and former player in American football. He is currently the defensive line coach for Georgia Tech. Marco used to play as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 years. The Miami Dolphins picked him in the first round of the 1992 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech, where he helped his team win a national championship in 1990. He also played in one Pro Bowl before he stopped playing professionally in 2005.

Early Life and High School Football

Marco Coleman grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He went to Patterson Cooperative High School. There, he was a great linebacker on the football team. In his senior year, he made 84 tackles and had 31 sacks. He also forced three fumbles and recovered six. He played football for three years in high school and ran track for one year.

Playing Career Highlights

Marco Coleman was a very talented football player in both college and the NFL.

College Football at Georgia Tech

Marco played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Even though he only played for three years, he became their all-time leader in sacks with 28.

In 1991, his junior year, he was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference. He played 11 games, making 67 tackles and 10 sacks. As a sophomore in 1990, he helped Georgia Tech share the national championship. That year, he had 81 tackles and 13 sacks. He was also named second-team All-American. As a freshman, he started every game and had 63 tackles and five sacks.

Playing in the National Football League

Marco Coleman was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1992 NFL draft. He was the 12th player picked overall.

Miami Dolphins

In his first year with the Dolphins (1992), Marco was named the NFL Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated. He had 84 tackles and six sacks. His six sacks were one of the best totals ever for a Dolphins rookie. He played for the Dolphins for four seasons, from 1992 to 1995. Fun fact: He even had a small role in the 1994 movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective with actor Jim Carrey!

San Diego Chargers

After playing for the Dolphins, Marco joined the San Diego Chargers in 1996. He played for the Chargers for three seasons, until 1998.

Washington Redskins

In 1999, Marco signed with the Washington Redskins. He started all 16 games in his first season with the team. He played for the Redskins from 1999 to 2001.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Marco then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002. He started all 16 games as a defensive end for them. He played one season with the Jaguars.

Philadelphia Eagles

In 2003, Marco signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in 13 games as a reserve player. He spent one season with the Eagles.

Denver Broncos

Marco's last team was the Denver Broncos, where he played for two seasons from 2004 to 2005. After the 2005 season, he announced that he was retiring from professional football.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Marco Coleman became a football coach.

Oakland Raiders

In 2018, Marco started his coaching career with the Oakland Raiders. He worked as an assistant defensive line coach.

Georgia Tech

In January 2019, Marco returned to his old college team, Georgia Tech, as the Defensive Line Coach.

Michigan State

In February 2022, Marco was hired by Michigan State University as their defensive line coach. He also helped with the run game.

Georgia Tech (Second Time)

In January 2023, Marco came back to Georgia Tech again. He is now the defensive line coach for the Yellow Jackets.

Personal Life

Marco Coleman is married to Katrina. They have three children named Kabrione, Kennedy, and Kenneth. Marco also went back to college and earned a degree in Business Administration from Flagler College.