Coleman Zeno

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.

Coleman Zeno
No. 88
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1946-11-18) November 18, 1946
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 NFL.com · PFR

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]

References
  1. 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. "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.


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