Ben Coates Biography

Ben Terrence Coates Jr., born on August 16, 1969, is an American former professional football tight end who played in the National Football League for a decade. He played college football for the Livingstone Blue Bears and was chosen by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 1991 NFL draft, spending all but one season of his NFL career with the team. During his tenure with the Patriots, Coates earned five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. After being released by the Patriots, he joined the Baltimore Ravens and contributed to the team that won Super Bowl XXXV. Following his playing career, Coates served as head coach at his alma mater Livingstone and later worked as tight ends coach for the Cleveland Browns. His older brother Gary Coates played a key role in encouraging him to pursue college football and maintained a daily routine of working out and catching passes. Coates began playing football only during his senior year at Greenwood High School.