Dexter Coakley is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on March 12, 1972, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, and attended Appalachian State University, where he played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers.
Coakley was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Cowboys' defense, starting all 16 games in his rookie season and earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. Coakley continued to be a consistent performer for the Cowboys over the next several seasons, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors.
In 2004, Coakley signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent. He played two seasons with the Rams, starting all 32 games and recording 221 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Coakley retired from the NFL after the 2006 season, finishing his career with 984 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and nine interceptions.
Throughout his career, Coakley was known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to make tackles in open space. He was also a respected leader in the locker room, serving as a team captain for both the Cowboys and the Rams.
After retiring from football, Coakley returned to his hometown of Mount Pleasant, where he became a high school football coach. He also founded the Dexter Coakley Foundation, which provides scholarships and other support to underprivileged youth in the area.
Overall, Dexter Coakley had a successful career in the NFL, earning recognition as one of the league's top linebackers during his prime. He was a key contributor to several successful teams and left a lasting impact on the game of football.
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