Veteran defensive end Kenyon Coleman will retire, according to his agent. The 34 year old missed the 2013 season, his only with New Orleans, after suffering a torn Pectoral muscle in August. He had signed a one year contract with the team prior to last season.
Coleman entered the league as an Oakland Raider in 2002, drafted in the 5th round out of UCLA. After one year in Oakland, Bill Parcells and the Dallas Cowboys traded a 2004 7th round draft choice for his services. Transitioning to a 3-4 defense at the time, Parcells identified Coleman as a player who could fit well into the scheme. Coleman spent the better part of his career in two stints with Dallas(2003-2006,2011-2012).
DE Kenyon Coleman is retiring from Football.
In between those two spells with the Cowboys, Coleman made stops in New York (Jets) and Cleveland, providing value as a run stopping specialist in the 3-4. Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan, who worked with Coleman in both Cleveland and Dallas, hailed his acquisition by annointing him the 'best run defender in football.' Coleman was expected to play a big part in Ryan's plans as the Saints made a switch of their own to the 3-4, and after building a strong reputation as an early down stopper, he appeared poised to make a similar impact in New Orleans up until his season-ending injury during training camp.
Coleman ends his career having totaled 362 tackles and 13.5 sacks. He also forced 2 fumbles and recovered 4. The odds of Coleman re-signing with New Orleans did not appear strong to begin with, as the team was more than satisfied with the production and performance of 2nd year pro Akiem Hicks in Coleman's stead. He missed most of the 2nd half of the 2012 season after suffering a season-ending torn Triceps, and the Pectoral injury may have been enough make Coleman decide to end his playing career.
An underrated signing in 2013, Coleman would have surely played a big role on the Saints defensive line, as Ryan worked wonders with the entire defense during his first season in New Orleans. It's a shame he never had the chance to showcase his talents, but will be remembered by avid Football fans as a reliable run stopper who made a nice career for himself doing what he does best.
