Seattle Seahawks Deaf Player Derrick Coleman Inspires NFL Draft Hopeful, Adham Talaat

Seattle running back/fullback Derrick Coleman (pictured above) isn’t normally one of the more recognizable players on the Super Bowl-bound Seahawks.  Yet, the deaf Coleman has recently gained national attention following a newly-released Duracell commercial featuring the Los Angeles native.

For defensive lineman Adham Talaat of Gallaudet University — who is also deaf — Coleman serves as a role model as Talaat he prepares for the next level.  The Springfield, Virginia-born player recently signed with Vizion Agency and NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor, Mike Roitman.

Steve Saperstein, Founder of Vizion, has a deaf brother and both of his parents are also deaf.  According to Roitman, Steve was his “family’s voice” on many occasions growing up.

“I’ve watched Steve communicate with his family, and on behalf of his family on many occasions,” Roitman said.  “It is this special connection to the deaf/hard of hearing community that I/we wanted to represent Adham.  Also, Steve’s brother went to Gallaudet University, and we had a special connection to the school as well.”

Added Roitman: “It can be said that it is destiny that we represent Adham.”

A 2013 CoSIDA Football Academic All-American Division III First Team honoree, Talaat finished this past season with 46 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble.  Gallaudet’s Athletic Department website called Talaat, “the most decorated football player in Bison history.”

Along with Talaat’s numerous accolades, tireless work ethic, and high confidence, scouts will surely notice his size, according to Roitman.

“Adham is very long at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds,” Roitman said.  “They will notice his quickness and explosion out of his stance.  Most importantly, they will notice his relentlessness to never give up on the play.  Adham has played all five positions on the defensive line.  He has the ability and the intelligence to process a tremendous amount of information very quickly.”

With the 2014 NFL Draft less than four months away, Talaat is currently training with the hope of becoming the first drafted player who is also deaf.

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports