Nickell Robey-Coleman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Nickell Robey-Coleman

Robey-Coleman in 2019
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1992-01-17) January 17, 1992 (age 33) Frostproof, Florida, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight:	180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school:	Frostproof
College:	USC (2010–2012)
Undrafted:	2013
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2013–2016) Los Angeles Rams (2017–2019) Philadelphia Eagles (2020) Detroit Lions (2021) Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Pac-12 (2011) Second-team All-Pac-12 (2012)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 338 Sacks: 5.0 Forced fumbles: 6 Fumble recoveries: 6 Pass deflections: 49 Interceptions: 6 Defensive touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR

Nickell Earl Robey-Coleman (born January 17, 1992) is an American football cornerback. He is currently a free agent, which means he is not signed with a team. Nickell started his professional career in 2013 with the Buffalo Bills. He also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Early Life and High School Football

Nickell Robey-Coleman grew up in Frostproof, Florida. He went to Frostproof Middle-Senior High School. There, he was a star player on the football team. He played many different positions, including quarterback and wide receiver. He also played on defense as a defensive back and returned kicks.

In his senior year (2009), Nickell was amazing on offense. He ran for 764 yards and scored nine touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 232 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he made 73 tackles and had two interceptions. Experts ranked him as one of the best high school cornerbacks in the country. He chose to play college football at USC.

Besides football, Nickell also played baseball and ran track in high school.

College Football Career at USC

Robey-Coleman playing for USC in 2010

After high school, Nickell went to the University of Southern California (USC). He played college football for the USC Trojans.

Freshman Year (2010)

As a freshman in 2010, Nickell became a starting cornerback. This was a new position for him, as he played wide receiver in high school. He played well and was recognized as one of the best freshmen players in the Pac-10 conference.

Sophomore Year (2011)

In 2011, Nickell continued to play strongly. He started all 12 games for USC. He made 63 tackles and had two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He was chosen as a first-team All-Pac-12 player.

Junior Year (2012)

Nickell had another good season in 2012. He was considered for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in college football. He also returned punts and kicks for the Trojans. He was named a second-team All-Pac-12 player.

After his junior year, Nickell decided to enter the 2013 NFL draft. This meant he would skip his final year of college.

Professional Football Career

Nickell Robey-Coleman was not chosen in the 2013 NFL Draft. However, he was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. This means a team signed him after the draft was over.

Buffalo Bills (2013–2016)

In his first year (2013), Nickell made his first career interception. He returned it 19 yards for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. He finished the season with 39 tackles and one interception.

He continued to play for the Bills for three more seasons. In 2016, he scored another touchdown. He returned a fumble 36 yards against the New York Jets. Later that season, he had a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. The Bills released him in March 2017.

Los Angeles Rams (2017–2019)

A moment from a game where Nickell Robey-Coleman was involved in a play that caused discussion.

In April 2017, Nickell signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He became an important player for the Rams, often playing as a "slot corner." This means he covers receivers who play closer to the middle of the field. In 2017, he had a career-high 49 tackles and two interceptions.

In 2018, the Rams made it to the Super Bowl LIII. During the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints, Nickell was involved in a play that caused a lot of discussion. He made a hit on a Saints receiver that many thought should have been a penalty. The penalty was not called, and the Rams won the game. After the game, Nickell said he thought it should have been a penalty. He was later fined for the hit. In the Super Bowl, he also received a penalty for a hit. The Rams lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.

In 2019, Nickell played in all 16 games for the Rams. He had 36 tackles and forced two fumbles. In March 2020, the Rams decided not to keep him on their team.

Philadelphia Eagles (2020)

On March 31, 2020, Nickell signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in 15 games for the Eagles that season. He finished with 44 tackles and one forced fumble.

Detroit Lions (2021)

In August 2021, Nickell signed with the Detroit Lions. He played in one game for them during the 2021 season.

Las Vegas Raiders (2022)

In September 2022, Nickell signed with the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad. He played in two games for the Raiders during the 2022 season.

Personal Life and Education

Nickell Robey-Coleman has faced personal challenges. In February 2010, his mother, Maxine, passed away at age 44. He found her and tried to help, but she later died from heart failure. Nickell had promised his mother he would finish college.

He continued taking college classes while playing in the NFL. He took classes at Warner University and later returned to USC. In 2019, he completed his degree in policy, planning, and development. He kept his promise to his mother. Before the 2016 NFL season, he added his mother's name to his own.

In November 2018, Nickell's son, Nickell Jr., passed away after being born too early.

In 2019, Nickell shared in a discussion that he has had doubts about the Earth being round throughout his life.

NFL Career Statistics