Davon Coleman's Winning Mentality

Davon Coleman looks comfortable stepping onto the turf at Tim Hortons Field. It’s after practice, and the intensity of the on-field reps washed away in the showers, leaving a relaxed countenance. He cuts a tall and imposing figure, well-muscled, tattooed, scarred. It’s quickly apparent however, that his appearance is not a reflection of his character. His laugh is mirthful and genuine, and his eyes are welcoming. The striking thing about talking to Coleman is a sense that he takes nothing for granted; a sense that he’s playing football for the simple love of the game.
Coleman, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats first year defensive tackle, is a man of simple pleasures.
“I’m a chill dude. I like watching movies, working out. I do a little hot yoga here and there. I draw a little bit, some cartoons,” Coleman says.
Movies, hot yoga, and cartoons: an intimidating player on the field becomes a gentle giant off it.
Coleman speaks about his interests the same way he speaks about his past, directly and simply. No exaggeration. No pretense.
“I’m from inner city Cleveland, in a pretty rough area. A lot of adversity,” he shrugs.
He doesn’t specify the adversity he faced growing up, but it isn’t difficult to imagine.
Cleveland is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. It is regularly ranked near the top in rates of violent crime, property crime, and density of crime per square mile. One source suggests that the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Cleveland is one in 63, although that number is probably inflated by criminal pockets located in more dangerous neighbourhoods – the sort of neighbourhoods Coleman grew up in.

“Hamilton looks similar to Cleveland I guess, but the people are much nicer,” he laughs. “I try to stay away from Cleveland. It isn’t the nicest place to visit.”
Coleman was the first person in his family to graduate with a college degree. His family was large, and his five siblings are back in his hometown, working to support their families.
If Coleman has a troubled past, he doesn’t let it affect his character.
“I didn’t have very many role models to show me the right way. I’m more self-taught, but it’s got me this far,” reflects Coleman with a grin.
He says it without gravity, as if it’s simply a thing that he’s accepted and moved on from. His past has carried him to the moment he’s living, and that’s the moment he’s focused on. He has carried this attitude throughout his personal life and his football career.
Coleman’s football path is equally rife with adversity. He played college ball at Arizona State, before going undrafted and bouncing from one NFL team to another, attempting to crack the starting roster in numerous cities but only managing four NFL starts. He wasn’t given a proper chance until after his NFL bid was cut short, and he came to Hamilton to earn his spot with the Ticats.
“It feels good to be back,” says Coleman about his return to professional football. “I’ve always been working hard and doing football things, so I don’t feel I’ve missed a beat. It’s really just about finding a new home.”
Coleman’s story closely resembles the story of many of his teammates and adversaries.
“I’ll always have a chip on my shoulder,” Coleman says.
But so does everybody else in this league. The CFL is a league of second chances and acceptance. And that means it houses a lot of players with a history of disappointment and exclusion.
Coleman’s trying childhood, work ethic, and overlooked talent are not unique qualities in a CFL player. What’s unique about Coleman is his understated and easy-going attitude. He’s too busy focusing on the present to worry about sympathies belonging in the past.
What sets Coleman apart is his outlook. Coleman is focused on growing, learning, and playing football for the love of the game.