Erik Coleman

Erik Coleman (born May 6, 1982) is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington State.

Coleman has also played for the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions.

College career
Coleman played college football at Washington State. He majored in communications.

New York Jets
Coleman was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He unexpectedly became one of the most important Jet defenders, cementing his starting role with interceptions in each of his first two NFL games. He finished the season as the NFL's highest grossing member of its performance-pay program, the league's plan for rewarding low-salary players who outperform their contracts. In week six of the 2005 season against the Buffalo Bills he made a career high 14 tackles. Before the 2006 season Coleman underwent an appendectomy, slowing his production that season. During his tenure with the New York Jets he started in 45 of 48 regular season games.

Atlanta Falcons
On March 1, 2008, Coleman was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. In the 2008 season, Erik Coleman had 95 total tackles, 6 passes deflected, and three interceptions. Those three interceptions were the most on the Atlanta Falcons team.

On February 9, 2011, Coleman was released from the Falcons.

Detroit Lions
On February 18, 2011, Coleman signed a one year contract with the Detroit Lions. He was released on December 4, 2012.