Laveranues Coles, a wide receiver known for his speed and agility, played in the National Football League (NFL) primarily during the early 2000s. Born on December 29, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, Coles attended Florida State University, where he played college football under the guidance of coach Bobby Bowden. His college career, however, was marred by controversy when he was dismissed from the team in 1999 following a shoplifting incident.
Despite the setback, Coles entered the 2000 NFL Draft and was selected in the third round by the New York Jets. His rookie season with the Jets saw him quickly adapt to the professional level, as he became a reliable target for quarterback Vinny Testaverde. Coles' ability to make plays after the catch and his knack for finding open spaces on the field helped him stand out among his peers.
In 2002, Coles had a breakout season with the Jets, recording over 1,200 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His performance earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl, marking a high point in his career. The following year, Coles signed a lucrative contract with the Washington Redskins, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a wide receiver. During his two seasons with the Redskins, Coles maintained consistent production, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards each year.
Coles returned to the Jets in 2005 after being traded for wide receiver Santana Moss. His second stint with the team was marked by steady contributions, as he continued to be a dependable option in the passing game. In 2006, Coles recorded another 1,000-yard season, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable receiver.
In 2009, Coles signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played for one season. Although his numbers were not as impressive as in previous years, he provided veteran leadership and experience to the Bengals' receiving corps. After his time with the Bengals, Coles briefly returned to the Jets in 2010, but he did not play in any regular-season games that year.
Throughout his NFL career, Laveranues Coles was known for his speed, route-running ability, and toughness on the field.
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