NFL Player Derrick Coleman Has Been Deaf Since Childhood [video]

Derrick Coleman, who plays fullback for the Seattle Seahawks, was born with a genetic mutation that  caused his deafness since he was a toddler. Even with powerful hearing aids, he still needs to lip-read in order to understand what is being said. [link]

Although the exact genetic mutation is not known thru media reports, it is most likely a connexin 26 mutation which is the most common genetic cause for early onset hearing loss and can be tested for through a simple blood draw. He is also probably a candidate for cochlear implants, but given the high impact nature of his profession, it is was likely a good decision he did not get one due to breakage concerns.

Just FYI... with cochlear implants, his hearing could potentially be restored back to normal.

Obviously, he has had to work even harder to make it into the NFL with his legally deaf ears.

Watch this Duracell commercial about his hearing loss.