Don Coleman, R.I.P.

Don Coleman, a legend at Flint Central High School and Michigan State University, died Monday at the age of 88.

Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal reports:

Coleman, described as a pioneer of pioneers, was MSU’s first unanimous All-America and its first black All-America in 1951. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound pulling tackle from Flint — who made Lansing his home for adult life — impacted the game as much, if not more than any of the more celebrated legends that followed him at MSU in the 1960s. 

“People took him for granted because of how he behaved and handled himself,” said friend Clarence Underwood, a lifer at MSU, including a stint as athletic director from 1999-02. “He did a lot for the university that went down in history. And because of what he did, a lot of people followed on his back. He was the guy who led the way. He was one of the founders.”

Don Coleman Hospitalized

Flint Central High School and Michigan State football legend Don Coleman is hospitalized in Lansing. My mom remembers him as the friendliest hall monitor and an all-around great guy when she attended Central with him in the forties. He's also the first player to have his number retired at MSU.

Here's Don's bio from the MSU Athletic Department:

...when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Coleman was primarily a standout swimmer and a trumpeter at Flint Central High School.

His mother had lost two sons at young ages and didn't want Coleman to play prep football. Finally, she gave the OK, but his junior season ended because of conflicts with an after-school job as a busboy at the Durant Hotel.

When he went out for the team again as a senior, Coleman's adjustment was mercurial. He was an immediate state champion and an All-Michigan selection at tackle. And with help from legendary broadcaster Bob Reynolds, Coleman became a must-get recruit for then Michigan State College assistant Duffy Daugherty.

By May 1952, as he prepared for graduation from MSC, Coleman had become arguably the greatest player in school history - pound-for-pound the best lineman in the country. His memberships in the College Football and Michigan Sports Halls of Fame are just two of his honors.

Don's wife, Geraldine, is also in the hospital recovering from surgery, so they could both use some words of encouragement. Please send your get-well wishes to Don and Geraldine at the following address:

424 McPherson Avenue
Lansing, MI
48915-1158