Former MSU offensive lineman Don Coleman died Jan. 30 at the age of 88, according to a press release. Coleman was a three-year letter winner for head coach Clarence "Biggie" Munn from 1949-51. The former Spartan also helped the MSU football team to a 9-0 record and its first national championship in 1951.
As a senior, Coleman was MSU's first unanimous All-American in 1951, adding to his team Governor Award as the team Most Valuable Player. Coleman also saw action on both defense and special teams as he only weighed in at 185 pounds at the time.
Along with the accolades during his playing time, Coleman was the first Spartan to ever have his jersey number retired, No. 78.
In the 1952 NFL Draft, Coleman was selected in the eighth round, No. 88 overall to the Chicago Cardinals. Under former head coach Duffy Daugherty in 1968, Coleman served as an assistant coach for one season.
Coleman was also named to the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame in 1975. As a charter member in 1992, Coleman was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame. The former Spartan is also a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
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