Why I Am A Temporary Seahawks Fan

LauraMacNCheese

What?? A Philly fan hopping on the Seattle bandwagon?? Yes...but only for a couple of weeks Here's why:

This has been going around the interwebz for a couple of weeks now I think. This is Derrick Coleman…he’s the backup fullback for the Seattle Seahawks. And he’s been legally deaf since he was 3. This commercial he did for Duracell is flat out AMAZING!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2HD57z4F8E

See…my son was diagnosed with a moderate to severe hearing loss when he was 4 & ½. He got his hearing aids shortly after he turned 5. He’s 9 now & last year, he played his first ever season of youth football. Even though our team, coaches, players, moms, etc., is amazing, it was tough going at first. My son never uses his hearing issues as an excuse for not doing something. But he got super frustrated because he couldn’t understand the coaches and vice versa a lot of the time. He wanted to quit after the first few weeks. Then, my ex-husband came across an article on Derrick Coleman while looking for a way to keep my son’s hearing aids from falling out during games. My son loves the Seahawks (his dad got to him on that one…but there is a Philly fan lurking I assure you, LOL)…and when we showed him the article about Derrick…he was ecstatic. He couldn’t believe that someone was playing football in the NFL and was also hearing impaired…just like him. And, for his favorite team no less! Gone was the frustration from the beginning of the season…my son worked his butt off and his coaches were very impressed. They kept forgetting he was only a first year player. He can’t wait until football starts up again this year. He even wants to change his # to 40 next year & his prized possession is the Derrick Coleman jersey he got for Christmas this year. You should’ve seen him when I showed him this commercial…he said it was the coolest thing ever 

Sorry for being long winded…I guess what I really want to say is thank you to Derrick Coleman for putting his story out there. He definitely made an impact on the life of one family here in Reno.

reality_girl

tomomatic

This is beautiful. I came here to talk smack but you've kinda got me cheering for Coleman now.

(I still hope Richard Sherman takes a football to the teeth and out the rectum... but that's for another thread).

My cousin (also one of my best buds) wore hearing aides in elementary school. He didn't exactly grow out of it, but he's less dependent than he used to be. He went on to go to Duke and majored in biomedical engineering. He's now a statistician working on cancer research and getting his PhD in that area.

I have moderate case of tinnitus. Basically, I constantly hear a high pitched ringing after I experienced a series of ear infections as a child. I also knew a past MFPer whose legally deaf (she deactivated but otherwise I'd introduce you. Fantastic person).

LauraMacNCheese

This is beautiful. I came here to talk smack but you've kinda got me cheering for Coleman now.

(I still hope Richard Sherman takes a football to the teeth and out the rectum... but that's for another thread).

My cousin (also one of my best buds) wore hearing aides in elementary school. He didn't exactly grow out of it, but he's less dependent than he used to be. He went on to go to Duke and majored in biomedical engineering. He's now a statistician working on cancer research and getting his PhD in that area.

I have moderate case of tinnitus. Basically, I constantly hear a high pitched ringing after I experienced a series of ear infections as a child. I also knew a past MFPer whose legally deaf (she deactivated but otherwise I'd introduce you. Fantastic person).

Lol...yeah...I was kind of hoping this might take the spotlight off of Sherman at least for a little bit

SunofaBeach14

I came here to make a smart assed remark about not watching football, but I love this post. :drinker:

RobinB0812

Laura, what a very touching story!! I've been a football mom for over 15 years (my son is now playing college football). There is just something very special about seeing your child excel, whether it's in athletics or the classroom. I can only image the pride you feel for your son for what he's accomplishing!!

Kudos to him!!! :flowerforyou:

Derp_Diggler

I will be cheering for the Broncos in a couple weeks (Steelers fan, AFC and all) but should the Seahawks win I will be very happy for your son, as I'm sure he will be ecstatic. Great story Laura.!

Capt_Inzane

I don't watch television often but the NFL is doing a campaign for little league players to go to the Super Bowl. Your sons story sounds like it would had been an amazing candidate for that! I wish I could remember what it was called it's something pretty simple.

LauraMacNCheese

I don't watch television often but the NFL is doing a campaign for little league players to go to the Super Bowl. Your sons story sounds like it would had been an amazing candidate for that! I wish I could remember what it was called it's something pretty simple.

That sounds really familiar...I want to say I've seen commercials for it at sine point. To Google!

RobinB0812

I will be cheering for the Broncos in a couple weeks (Steelers fan, AFC and all) but should the Seahawks win I will be very happy for your son, as I'm sure he will be ecstatic. Great story Laura.!

Go Stillers!!! Are you from Pittsburgh Derp_Diggler?

Derp_Diggler

I will be cheering for the Broncos in a couple weeks (Steelers fan, AFC and all) but should the Seahawks win I will be very happy for your son, as I'm sure he will be ecstatic. Great story Laura.!

Go Stillers!!! Are you from Pittsburgh Derp_Diggler?

No just a lifelong fan

Some_Watery_Tart

Well, that's the best reason I've seen for rooting for the Seahawks. I'm going to let it go without any trash-talk. I think you have a great reason!

Of course, I will still be cheering for my boys in orange!

RockWarrior84

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

SugarBaby71

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

It works both ways though... One idiot with a bad case of verbal diarrhea does not mean the entire tem ISN'T great.

LauraMacNCheese

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

True that...but conversely, Richard Sherman isn't exactly the spokesman for the Seahawks. The Seahawks are very talented...otherwise, they wouldn't have finished as the #1 seed in the NFC or advanced to the Super Bowl. So gotta give credit where it's due, yeah? :flowerforyou:

cmriverside

daaaaawww.

"The cure for everything is salt water-- sweat, tears, or the sea. --Isaak Dinesen"



Guess which one I'm experiencing right now?



/Seahawks fan only cuz geography. . .

. . . and Coleman, now.

RockWarrior84

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

It works both ways though... One idiot with a bad case of verbal diarrhea does not mean the entire tem ISN'T great.

however after you win again and all people talk about is what one player said. Also coming from one of the guys who is just about the face of the franchise now.

karl39x

Temporary rooting for the Seahawks because the Broncos are a bunch of *kitten*.

LauraMacNCheese

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

It works both ways though... One idiot with a bad case of verbal diarrhea does not mean the entire tem ISN'T great.

however after you win again and all people talk about is what one player said. Also coming from one of the guys who is just about the face of the franchise now.

It was definitely not a shining moment...but the blame for this taking precedence over everything Seattle has accomplished this season lies in part with the media as well. They could've chosen to focus on something positive; but one guy running his mouth trumps everything I suppose.

tyrsnbdr

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

It works both ways though... One idiot with a bad case of verbal diarrhea does not mean the entire tem ISN'T great.

however after you win again and all people talk about is what one player said. Also coming from one of the guys who is just about the face of the franchise now.

It was definitely not a shining moment...but the blame for this taking precedence over everything Seattle has accomplished this season lies in part with the media as well. They could've chosen to focus on something positive; but one guy running his mouth trumps everything I suppose.

I became a Broncos fan for the next 2 weeks. I actually like **** Sherman. I think he is a great player and just made himself top CB money when he's up for his next contract. He will not be one of those althetes that files bankruptcy 4 years post retirement, he's to smart for that. But, it was a little much right after my heart got ripped out.

That Derrick Coleman Commercial is awesome. Gives me goosebumps.

Capt_Inzane

Edit: Don't want to derail the thread...

Again glad for your son.

marciebrian

Well, that's the best reason I've seen for rooting for the Seahawks. I'm going to let it go without any trash-talk. I think you have a great reason!

Of course, I will still be cheering for my boys in orange!

this! and you're son's story is amazing. You should be very proud (as I'm sure you are) of your son and clearly your devotion to him and his development. just awesome!

michael1976_ca

amazing post op i hope your son goes far in the sport and other things

LauraMacNCheese

Edit: Don't want to derail the thread...

Again glad for your son.

You could've left your original comment I liked what you had to say

ATGsquats

that is cool. I read the story about him and its awesome.

I am a broncos fan and this is all i can say about the seahawks team, one good players does not mean the entire team is great.

I wrote something about defending Richard Sherman, but thats not what this thread is about...sorry.

I've read about the Hawk fullback too, its a great one...

Good luck to your son...

Ready2Rock206

http://www.nwcn.com/sports/seahawks/Deaf-Seahawks-responds-to-little-girls-letter-241518521.html

Check out the link above for more on Coleman - and his interactions with a fan.

LauraMacNCheese

http://www.nwcn.com/sports/seahawks/Deaf-Seahawks-responds-to-little-girls-letter-241518521.html

Check out the link above for more on Coleman - and his interactions with a fan.

I will have to check that out when I get home...news is blocked here :grumble:

We actually wrote a letter to him as well; but we sent it to the Seahawk's general office...so who knows if he even got it (this was back in October right around the time he got injured). My son signed a picture of himself that we'd taken at their preseason football jamboree and asked if Coleman would be willing to swap autographs We'll see what happens...

leaner426

Derrick isn't the first deaf NFL player, there were 3 defensive players before him I think, but he is the first deaf offensive player. Not certain if your research turned that up. I hope your son takes his dreams as far as he wants to.

Derrick - and ALL - of the Seahawks are great. They are active in the community. We don't have stories of domestic violence, repeat drunk driving or internal fighting like other teams. Last year the coach introduced optional meditation and yoga - this year it is mandatory. (There was a big article on it at the start of the season, the team took some flack for its non-traditional approach.) The team preaches supporting your team mates - you won't hear of any hazing incidents here while the interviews with the media almost go overboard in praising all the other players on the team. The coach makes a point of choosing players with heart that others have passed on - like Derrick and Russell Wilson - because they have something to prove. So I will say unequivocally that you and your son made a great choice. Derrick is giving a lot of deaf kids hope. And as far as teams go, this one has some good values.

LauraMacNCheese

Derrick isn't the first deaf NFL player, there were 3 defensive players before him I think, but he is the first deaf offensive player. Not certain if your research turned that up. I hope your son takes his dreams as far as he wants to.

Derrick - and ALL - of the Seahawks are great. They are active in the community. We don't have stories of domestic violence, repeat drunk driving or internal fighting like other teams. Last year the coach introduced optional meditation and yoga - this year it is mandatory. (There was a big article on it at the start of the season, the team took some flack for its non-traditional approach.) The team preaches supporting your team mates - you won't hear of any hazing incidents here while the interviews with the media almost go overboard in praising all the other players on the team. The coach makes a point of choosing players with heart that others have passed on - like Derrick and Russell Wilson - because they have something to prove. So I will say unequivocally that you and your son made a great choice. Derrick is giving a lot of deaf kids hope. And as far as teams go, this one has some good values.

I did see that he's the first offensive player with a hearing impairment

My son played left guard, linebacker, tight end, and defensive end. In regards to the offensive positions my son played, it was pretty cool to show him that here's a guy who had to make adjustments, too (i.e. watching for the snap)...as opposed to listening to the QB's snap count

tedrickp

Love that commercial :drinker: Also love Richard Sherman :drinker:

ohpiper

Someone pointed out his commercial to me since I work as an ASL Interpreter. He seems like a good guy and I'll look forward to watching him play. I'm kind of hoping Elway serves some humble pie to his teammate with the giant ego, though.