title: Rod Coleman (American football)
text: # Rod Coleman (American football)
  
  Roderick Dwayne Coleman (born August 16, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the East Carolina Pirates. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, and has also played for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
  
  ## Early years
  
  Coleman attended Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, where he won varsity letters in football and track and field and was an honor student.
  
  ## College career
  
  Coleman played for the East Carolina Pirates football team while playing for the East Carolina University. He is the school's career, single-season, and single-game leader in sacks.
  
  ## Professional career
  
  ### Oakland Raiders
  
  Coleman played for the Oakland Raiders from 1999 to 2003.
  
  ### Atlanta Falcons
  
  Coleman signed with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2004 season and played for them until 2007. On February 15, 2008, the Falcons released him.
  
  ### New Orleans Saints
  
  After sitting out the 2008 season recovering from injuries, Coleman was signed by the New Orleans Saints to a one-year contract on March 27, 2009. He was waived on August 31.
  
  