Coleman Zeno

Last updated

Coleman Zeno
No. 88
Position: Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1946-11-18) November 18, 1946 (age 77)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Died:December 27, 2016
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:Marrero (LA) Lincoln
College: Grambling State
NFL draft: 1971  / Round: 17 / Pick: 434
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:2
Receptions:5
Receiving yards:97
Touchdowns:0
Player stats at PFR

Joseph Coleman Zeno, Jr. (born November 18, 1946) is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver in 1971 for the New York Giants.

Zeno played football and ran track at Grambling State. [1] [2] He was selected by the New York Giants in the 17th round of the 1971 NFL draft. [3] [4] Zeno caught three touchdowns in the preseason and earned a place on the practice squad, where he spent seven weeks focusing on learning the routes. [1]

Zeno was elevated to the main roster in November 1971 after the Giants were left with just two receivers. [1] He made his NFL debut against the San Diego Chargers, recording four receptions for 90 yards, and even caught a touchdown pass which was called back due to a penalty. [2] [5] "I was nervous," he said, "I knew I'd play, but not this much." [2] Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton opined that Zeno had "as much big play potential as Homer Jones." [6] Zeno earned the start the following week against the Atlanta Falcons and recorded one reception for seven yards. However, he broke his left arm in a collision with Bennie McRae during practice on November 17, ending his season. [7]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Miller, Norm (November 5, 1971). "Giants Activate Speedy Zeno in Receiver Shortage". New York Daily News . p. C22. Retrieved August 20, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 3 "Evans, Zeno Played Hero Roles in Giants' Triumph". The Home News . November 8, 1971. p. 13. Retrieved August 21, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  3. Harvin, Al (July 17, 1971). "Grambling Ace Shows Heels for Giants". The New York Times . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  4. Williams, Don (July 27, 1971). "Zeno's Catching Attracts Giants". The Jersey Journal . p. 19. Retrieved August 20, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  5. Izenberg, Jerry (November 8, 1971). "Sun Finally Shines On Coleman Zeno". The Jersey Journal . p. 23. Retrieved August 21, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  6. Kurland, Bob (November 8, 1971). "Zeno Has Potential, But... Another Homer Jones?". The Record . p. 30. Retrieved August 21, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Giants' Coleman Zeno Breaks His Left Arm". Asbury Park Press . November 18, 1971. p. 43. Retrieved August 21, 2023 via Newspapers.com.