Players
Events
Punter

Greg Coleman

Trade 1978

Number

8

Birthdate

1954-11-09

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1978

Player Bio

Greg Coleman is a former professional football player who played as a punter in the NFL, most notably for the Minnesota Vikings. Coleman was known for his powerful leg, consistency, and ability to change the field position for his teams. Below is a detailed biography of Greg Coleman:

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Gregory Lee Coleman
Born: April 19, 1957
Hometown: Houston, Texas

High School:

  • Coleman attended Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas, where he was a standout athlete in football and track. His skills as a kicker and punter were evident from a young age.

College:

  • Coleman played college football at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he was an important part of the team’s special teams.
  • While at FAMU, Coleman gained a reputation for his strong leg, which helped him become one of the best punters in college football. He was also an All-SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) selection during his time at the university.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Greg Coleman was not drafted in the 1979 NFL Draft, but he signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. However, his career with the Browns was short-lived, and he was eventually waived.

Minnesota Vikings (1980–1990)

  • Joining the Vikings: After a brief stint with the Browns, Coleman was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 1980 and went on to have a long and successful career with the team.
  • Long Career: Coleman played for the Vikings from 1980 to 1990, becoming one of the franchise’s most reliable special teams players. He was the team’s starting punter for most of those years and was highly regarded for his consistency and ability to punt the ball long distances, which helped the Vikings’ defense with excellent field position.
  • Pro Bowls and Accolades:
    • Coleman made one Pro Bowl appearance in 1987, which was a recognition of his outstanding performance as a punter.
    • He earned All-Pro honors in 1987 as well, reflecting his excellence in the punting game during that season.
    • Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to punt the ball deep and his consistency, averaging a net punting average in the 40-yard range throughout most of his career.
  • Key Moments and Legacy:
    • Coleman was instrumental in several memorable games for the Vikings, particularly when it came to flipping the field and giving his defense favorable starting positions.
    • His punting ability helped the Vikings consistently stay competitive, especially in the 1980s, when they made multiple playoff appearances.
    • Coleman played a key role in the Vikings’ special teams unit and helped them contend in several NFC Championship Games during his tenure.

Post-Vikings Career

  • After leaving the Vikings following the 1990 season, Greg Coleman continued his career in the NFL, spending time with the Atlanta Falcons in 1991. However, his time with the Falcons was short-lived, and he retired after that season.

NFL Career Stats

  • Games Played: 180
  • Punts: 1,189
  • Punting Yards: 51,153 yards
  • Average Punt: 42.6 yards
  • Net Punting Average: 36.9 yards

Post-Football Life

  • After retiring from football, Greg Coleman became an active member of the Minnesota Vikings community.
  • He transitioned into a career in broadcasting, where he became a color commentator for the Vikings’ radio network. Coleman has been a fixture in the team’s media landscape and continues to be involved in the organization’s outreach and alumni events.
  • He has also been involved in various community activities, particularly those focused on youth development and encouraging participation in sports.

Legacy

  • Greg Coleman’s legacy as one of the best punters in Minnesota Vikings history is secure. He remains one of the franchise’s all-time great special teams players.
  • Known for his booming punts and consistency, Coleman played a pivotal role in the Vikings’ success in the 1980s and early 1990s.
  • His Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors in 1987 stand as a testament to his elite punting ability during his career.
  • Coleman was an integral part of the Vikings’ team for over a decade and remains a beloved figure in the Vikings’ history, particularly for his contributions to special teams.

Summary

  • Position: Punter
  • NFL Teams: Cleveland Browns (1979), Minnesota Vikings (1980–1990), Atlanta Falcons (1991)
  • NFL Career Stats:
    • Games Played: 180
    • Punts: 1,189
    • Punting Yards: 51,153
    • Average Punt: 42.6 yards
    • Net Punting Average: 36.9 yards

Greg Coleman is remembered as one of the Minnesota Vikings’ all-time great special teams players, earning a Pro Bowl appearance and consistently being one of the NFL’s best punters during his time in the league. His impact on the Vikings’ field position game helped elevate the team throughout the 1980s and 1990s.