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101. Ben Coates

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101.  Ben Coates
Shannon Sharpe may be considered the best tight end of the 1990s, but a consensus number two would likely be Ben Coates.  Coincidentally, the two would wrap up their careers at the start of the new millennium as teammates for the Baltimore Ravens in winning Super Bowl XXXV.

Ben Coates started slow, but once Bill Parcells entered the New England Patriots picture, Coates saw his receptions dramatically increase.  Coates was used as a reliable weapon in the Drew Bledsoe-led offense and his sure hands allowed him to be the Patriots' most reliable receiver.  He set receiving records for the tight end position (all since broken) and often had his best performances when the pressure was at its highest.

When Ben Coates retired only Shannon Sharpe, Kellen Winslow and Ozzie Newsome had more catches from the Tight End position than he did.  Coates was a five-time Pro Bowler but has yet to receive a nomination from the Hall.  Chances are that he will be on the wrong end of the Tight End bubble where it comes to Hall consideration.

Should Ben Coates be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79.2%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.6%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 3.4%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Greenwood, South Carolina, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Sunday, 01 January 2006
  • Position: Tight End
  • Games Played: 158
  • Notable Statistics: 499 Receptions
    5,555 Receiving Yards
    50 Receiving Touchdowns
    3 Rushing Attempts
    -4 Rushing Yards
    2 Kick Returns
    26 Kick Return Yards
    50 Approximate Value

    11 Playoff Games
    26 Receptions
    258 Receiving Yards
    1 Receiving Touchdown
    1 Kick Return
    8 Kick Return Yards
  • Played For: Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots
  • College: Livingstone College
  • Drafted: 5th Round, 124th Overall in 1991
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (1) (Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XXXV)
    NFL 1990’s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro Selections (2) (1994 & 1995)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1998)
    Pro Bowl Selections (5) (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 & 1998)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (1) (1994)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (1) (1994)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (3) (1993, 1996 & 1997)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (1) (1994)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: None

Should Ben Coates be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79.2%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.6%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 3.4%
Last modified on Friday, 24 March 2023 01:53

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