Glen Coffee
Encyclopedia
Glenwood Razeem Coffee, Jr (born May 1, 1987) is a former American football
running back
for the San Francisco 49ers
of the National Football League
. He was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft
and played one season before retiring in 2010. He played college football
at Alabama
.
, he showed up in all twelve games. On September 17, he rushed for a season-high 75 yards on 15 attempts in a 37–14 win over South Carolina
. He did not see significant action throughout the remainder of the season, as he was a backup to starter Kenneth Darby
while sharing time with Jimmy Johns. In Alabama's homecoming game versus Utah State
, he scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 9–yard reception from John Parker Wilson
.
In his freshman season, he rushed for a 179 yards on 48 attempts. He also caught eight passes for 91 yards, including one touchdown.
his sophomore season on campus, Coffee returned in the 2007 season
under new head coach Nick Saban
. In that season, he split time as the starting running back with freshman Terry Grant. In the season opener versus Western Carolina
, Coffee rushed nine times for 76 yards and one touchdown in a 52–6 victory. In the season's homecoming game, he had his first 100-yard rushing game in a 30–24 win over Houston
. In total, he rushed for 121 yards on 30 attempts and one touchdown, as well as catching one pass for six yards. However, he did not accumulate any statistics in four of Alabama's final five games. Alabama earned an appearance in the 2007 Independence Bowl
versus Colorado
. Coffee carried the ball 19 times for 72 yards in a 30–24 win.
Coffee finished his redshirt sophomore season with 545 yards on 129 carries, scoring four touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 142 yards.
, Coffee was named the starter in all 14 games, though shared time with two other running backs, Roy Upchurch and Mark Ingram, Jr.
Coffee's first 100-yard rushing performance came in the fourth game of the season in a 49–14 rout of Arkansas
. He carried the ball ten times for 162 yards and two touchdowns, including his career-long run of 87 yards. In the following game, Coffee again scored twice in a 41–30 upset over #3 Georgia
, finishing the game with 23 carries for 86 yards. Coffee's career best game came in the following week in a 17–14 win over Kentucky
, as he ran for 218 yards on 25 attempts, including a 78-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. His 218 yards was the most by an Alabama running back since Shaun Alexander
in 1996
. Alabama clinched a berth in the 2008 SEC Championship Game
with a 27–21 overtime victory over LSU
, in which Coffee rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown. In the annual Iron Bowl
, he ran for his fourth 100+ yard game in a 36–0 rout of rival Auburn
with 144 yards and one touchdown. After rushing for 112 yards in the SEC Championship game loss to Florida
, Coffee was held to his season low in the 2009 Sugar Bowl
against Utah
. The Utes defense held Coffee to 36 yards on 13 attempts in a 31–17 Utah victory.
In his best statistical season at Alabama, Coffee ran for 1,383 yards and ten touchdowns, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. With his season's performance, Coffee was named to the Associated Press
All-SEC
first team. On January 9, 2009 Coffee announced he would forgo his Senior year and declare for the 2009 NFL Draft
. He was represented by Todd Crannell
of Q2 Sports & Entertainment.
! rowspan=2|Team !! rowspan=2|Season !! colspan=5|Rushing !! colspan=5|Receiving>
>2005
> 48
179
3.7
37
91
11.4
40
1
| colspan=11|Redshirt season>
| 129 > 545
4.2
20
142
7.9
32
0
| 233 > 1,383
5.9
87
118
7.4
15
1
! 410 !! 2,107 !! 5.1 !! 87 !! 14
! 42 !! 351 !! 8.4 !! 40 !! 2>
by the San Francisco 49ers
. He had an impressive rookie season, seeing significant time as a back up to Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore
.
stated that sixth round draft pick Anthony Dixon
and veteran Michael Robinson would compete for the number 2 running back spot and that Coffee's departure would not be a distraction to the team. However on August 16, the 49ers signed free agent veteran Brian Westbrook
as the backup running back to a one year deal. The 49ers could move to recoup $621,000 of Coffee's $828,000 signing bonus.
Coffee plans to return to the University of Alabama to finish his degree in consumer affairs, with an eye towards graduate school. Coffee has confirmed that the reason he retired was that his heart was never in football and that he believes God wants him to take another path.
Coffee's brother, Matt, plays fullback for the University of South Carolina
.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
for the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft
2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
and played one season before retiring in 2010. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide football
|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
.
Freshman
In Coffee's freshman season2005 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2005 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. This was the team's 73rd season in the SEC...
, he showed up in all twelve games. On September 17, he rushed for a season-high 75 yards on 15 attempts in a 37–14 win over South Carolina
South Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
. He did not see significant action throughout the remainder of the season, as he was a backup to starter Kenneth Darby
Kenneth Darby
Kenneth Darby is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Darby has also been a member of the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Alabama.-Early...
while sharing time with Jimmy Johns. In Alabama's homecoming game versus Utah State
Utah State Aggies
The Utah State Aggies are the athletics teams of Utah State University. The school fields men's varsity teams in basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track and field. Women's varsity teams include basketball, cross country, gymnastics, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field,...
, he scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 9–yard reception from John Parker Wilson
John Parker Wilson
John Parker Wilson is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. college football at the University of Alabama, he went undrafted during the 2009 NFL Draft, before signing with the Falcons as a free agent.-Freshman:After leading Hoover High School to...
.
In his freshman season, he rushed for a 179 yards on 48 attempts. He also caught eight passes for 91 yards, including one touchdown.
Sophomore
After redshirtingRedshirt (college sports)
Redshirt is a term used in American college athletics that refers to a delay or suspension of an athlete's participation in order to lengthen his or her period of eligibility...
his sophomore season on campus, Coffee returned in the 2007 season
2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a disappointing 6–7 record in the 2006 season. The Tide was led by its new head coach Nick Saban, a former head coach of rival LSU. Despite a...
under new head coach Nick Saban
Nick Saban
Nicholas Lou "Nick" Saban is the head coach of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide football team. Saban has previously served as head coach of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and three other NCAA universities: LSU, Michigan State and Toledo...
. In that season, he split time as the starting running back with freshman Terry Grant. In the season opener versus Western Carolina
Western Carolina Catamounts
The Western Carolina Catamounts are the athletic teams of Western Carolina University. The Catamounts compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Southern Conference. Western fields sixteen varsity sports teams. The Catamount football team competes in Division I Football...
, Coffee rushed nine times for 76 yards and one touchdown in a 52–6 victory. In the season's homecoming game, he had his first 100-yard rushing game in a 30–24 win over Houston
Houston Cougars football
The Houston Cougars football program is an NCAA Division I FBS football team that represents the University of Houston. The team is commonly referred to as "Houston" or "UH" . The UH football program is currently a member of the Conference USA intercollegiate athletic conference, and is coached by...
. In total, he rushed for 121 yards on 30 attempts and one touchdown, as well as catching one pass for six yards. However, he did not accumulate any statistics in four of Alabama's final five games. Alabama earned an appearance in the 2007 Independence Bowl
2007 Independence Bowl
The 2007 PetroSun Independence Bowl, part of the 2007–08 NCAA football bowl season, took place on December 30, 2007 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The competing teams were the Alabama Crimson Tide, representing the Southeastern Conference, and the Colorado Buffaloes, from...
versus Colorado
2007 Colorado Buffaloes football team
The 2007 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado at Boulder in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Dan Hawkins in his second season at Colorado and played their home games at Folsom Field. Colorado finished 6-7 after losing in the...
. Coffee carried the ball 19 times for 72 yards in a 30–24 win.
Coffee finished his redshirt sophomore season with 545 yards on 129 carries, scoring four touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 142 yards.
Junior
In the 2008 season2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 76th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference and its 17th within the SEC Western Division...
, Coffee was named the starter in all 14 games, though shared time with two other running backs, Roy Upchurch and Mark Ingram, Jr.
Mark Ingram, Jr.
Mark Ingram, Jr. is a running back for the New Orleans Saints. Ingram is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, Sr....
Coffee's first 100-yard rushing performance came in the fourth game of the season in a 49–14 rout of Arkansas
2008 Arkansas Razorbacks football team
The 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2008 football season. The Razorbacks played five home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and one home game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas...
. He carried the ball ten times for 162 yards and two touchdowns, including his career-long run of 87 yards. In the following game, Coffee again scored twice in a 41–30 upset over #3 Georgia
2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team
The 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team competed in American football on behalf of the University of Georgia in 2008. The Bulldogs competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference . This was the Georgia Bulldogs' eighth season under the guidance of head coach Mark Richt...
, finishing the game with 23 carries for 86 yards. Coffee's career best game came in the following week in a 17–14 win over Kentucky
2008 Kentucky Wildcats football team
The 2008 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the college football season of 2008-2009. The team's head coach was Rich Brooks, who served his sixth year in the position...
, as he ran for 218 yards on 25 attempts, including a 78-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. His 218 yards was the most by an Alabama running back since Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander
Shaun Edward Alexander is a former American football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Seahawks 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- Early career :Alexander was born and...
in 1996
1996 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 1996 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 1996–97 college football season, competing in the Western Division in the Southeastern Conference. Gene Stallings led the Crimson Tide to a 10–3 record in his final year with the program...
. Alabama clinched a berth in the 2008 SEC Championship Game
2008 SEC Championship Game
The 2008 Dr Pepper SEC Championship Game was played on December 6, 2008 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia to determine the 2008 football champion of the Southeastern Conference . The game featured the Florida Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Gators were classified as the home team...
with a 27–21 overtime victory over LSU
2008 LSU Tigers football team
The 2008 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the college football season of 2008–2009. The team's head coach was Les Miles who entered his fourth year at the helm of LSU Football. They played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana...
, in which Coffee rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown. In the annual Iron Bowl
Iron Bowl
The Iron Bowl is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Alabama Crimson Tide football team of the University of Alabama and the Auburn Tigers football team of Auburn University. The series is considered one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports...
, he ran for his fourth 100+ yard game in a 36–0 rout of rival Auburn
2008 Auburn Tigers football team
The 2008 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University during 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Tommy Tuberville served his tenth season as head coach at Auburn...
with 144 yards and one touchdown. After rushing for 112 yards in the SEC Championship game loss to Florida
2008 Florida Gators football team
The 2008 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2008 college football season...
, Coffee was held to his season low in the 2009 Sugar Bowl
2009 Sugar Bowl
The 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl was the 75th annual edition of the annual college football bowl game that is part of the 2008–09 bowl season of the Bowl Championship Series 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season...
against Utah
2008 Utah Utes football team
The 2008 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the college football season of 2008–2009. The team, coached by 4th year head football coach Kyle Whittingham, plays its home games in Rice–Eccles Stadium...
. The Utes defense held Coffee to 36 yards on 13 attempts in a 31–17 Utah victory.
In his best statistical season at Alabama, Coffee ran for 1,383 yards and ten touchdowns, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. With his season's performance, Coffee was named to the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
All-SEC
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
first team. On January 9, 2009 Coffee announced he would forgo his Senior year and declare for the 2009 NFL Draft
2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
. He was represented by Todd Crannell
Todd Crannell
Todd Crannell is a NFL and Entertainment agent. His agency, Q2 Sports and Entertainment, represents a diversified portfolio of athletes, models, celebrities and TV personalities...
of Q2 Sports & Entertainment.
Career statistics
Alabama Crimson Tide football
|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
>
2005 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2005 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. This was the team's 73rd season in the SEC...
> 48
2006 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2006 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a 10–2 record in the 2005 season. The Tide was led by head coach Mike Shula entering his fourth year at Alabama. Despite a strong 5–2 start, they...
| colspan=11|Redshirt season>
2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a disappointing 6–7 record in the 2006 season. The Tide was led by its new head coach Nick Saban, a former head coach of rival LSU. Despite a...
| 129 >
2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 76th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference and its 17th within the SEC Western Division...
| 233 >
! 410 !! 2,107 !! 5.1 !! 87 !! 14
! 42 !! 351 !! 8.4 !! 40 !! 2>
- Statistics correct as of the end of the 2008 season.
San Francisco 49ers
Coffee was drafted in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
by the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. He had an impressive rookie season, seeing significant time as a back up to Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
.
Retirement
After attending OTAs, minicamp, and two weeks of training camp, Coffee abruptly announced on August 13 that he would retire just before the start of the 2010 NFL preseason. Head coach Mike SingletaryMike Singletary
Michael "Mike" Singletary is an American football coach and former professional football player. He is currently the linebacker coach and assistant head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL....
stated that sixth round draft pick Anthony Dixon
Anthony Dixon
-2010 season:With the announcement of the sudden retirement of second year player Glen Coffee on August 13, former head coach Mike Singletary stated that Dixon and veteran Michael Robinson would compete for the number 2 running back spot behind Pro Bowler Frank Gore...
and veteran Michael Robinson would compete for the number 2 running back spot and that Coffee's departure would not be a distraction to the team. However on August 16, the 49ers signed free agent veteran Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
as the backup running back to a one year deal. The 49ers could move to recoup $621,000 of Coffee's $828,000 signing bonus.
Coffee plans to return to the University of Alabama to finish his degree in consumer affairs, with an eye towards graduate school. Coffee has confirmed that the reason he retired was that his heart was never in football and that he believes God wants him to take another path.
Personal
Coffee was arrested in his hometown of Mary Esther, FL on October 8, 2010 for possession of a concealed firearm. According to a Yahoo! Sports report, Coffee's 2008 Cadillac was pulled over for speeding and the vehicle was subsequently found to be unregistered and Coffee without insurance. As the vehicle was being prepped for towing, a 'cocked', black 380 SIG Sauer semi-automatic pistol was found in the center console of the vehicle and Coffee was then arrested and booked for carrying a concealed weapon, a third-degree felony. He was released from jail the same day. Coffee reportedly told police he is a self-employed motivational speaker and was assigned a 16 November 2010 court date, which was rendered moot when the state dropped the charges in late October 2010.Coffee's brother, Matt, plays fullback for the University of South Carolina
South Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
.