Former Washington WR Laveranues Coles finding purpose in new career

If you grew up watching the Washington Redskins in the early 2000s, you were undoubtedly a fan of Laveranues Coles.

Coles only spent two seasons in Washington, 2003 and 2004, but those were two of his best NFL seasons. The receiver made his only Pro Bowl in 2023 and had at least 80 catches and 950 yards in both of his seasons.

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Coles hasn't played in the NFL since the 2009 season, so what's he up to now? Well, ESPN's Rich Cimini recently did a feature on Coles, and it turns out, the former receiver has found a new career and purpose in life.

That's right, the guy who was once labeled the "bad boy" of his draft class is now working as an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in his hometown. Coles was arrested twice earlier in life and even got thrown off Florida State's team in 1999.

However, Coles isn't letting his past define him, and he's loving his newfound purpose in life.

"I want people to understand that no matter what stage you're in, or where you're at in life, it's never too late to get up and do something," Coles said.

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The former receiver endured months of grueling training with the department but kept pushing through to get to the end.

"It gives me a sense of purpose," Coles said of his new career. "Just like with the NFL, they kick off on Sunday, regardless. They don't care who's there and who ain't there. Same thing with this job. Whether I'm here or I'm not here, police are patrolling the streets."

It's nice to see Coles happy in his post-football life. The father of four could be sitting at home, living off his past accomplishments, but instead, he's out trying to improve his community.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Laveranues Coles has a new career