Matt Coates

Matt Coates (born July 15, 1991) is a Canadian football wide receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at the New Mexico Military Institute. He also played junior football for the Hamilton Hurricanes of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL).

Early years
Coates played high school football at Markham District High School in Markham, Ontario and was named a two-time Team M.V.P. The Marauders won the Metro Bowl his senior year. He received interest from several universities but decided to become an electrician like his father. He played flag football in a recreational league while working on his apprenticeship in his father's business.

Junior football
Coates played for the Hamilton Hurricanes of the CJFL after receiving an offer from the Hurricanes' coach Jay Hayes, who he played flag football with, to play for them. He returned to the Hurricanes after spending one season playing college football in 2012. He recorded 630 yards on 36 receptions for the Hurricanes and set a new OFC record with 13 touchdowns in 2013. He was also named a CJFL All-Canadian in 2013.

College career
Coates played for the New Mexico Military Institute Broncos in 2012.

Professional career
Coates was signed to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats's practice roster in September 2013. He later signed with the Tiger-Cats in January 29, 2014. He made his CFL debut on June 29, 2014 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Coates played in all eighteen regular season games and both playoff games, including the 102nd Grey Cup, for the Tiger-Cats in 2014.