From a Parking Lot to a Football Field: Houston Texans' Elliot Coffey

It’s that story we’d all like to have — working hard, never giving up, and eventually accomplishing your dream of playing in the NFL. This is the story of Elliot Coffey, now a linebacker for his hometown Houston Texans.

And it’s a story that almost wasn’t. Coffey, son of former NFL player Ken Coffey, played four years of college football for Baylor University but wasn’t drafted by any team in the 2012 NFL Draft. Coffey was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos last season but was eventually cut by the Broncos at the end of August. Since then Coffey has had odd jobs here and there, including his most recent job, Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Sugar Land, Texas. Coffey became the No. 3 seller in the region during his time at Enterprise and was actually cleaning a car when he received the call.

“I was working when they called me,” Coffey said. “I was working; I was in the back fixing up a car, getting ready for a customer, so…crazy.”

Coffey played high school football at Clements High School in Sugar Land (a suburb of Houston) and grew up a Texans fan. Coffey said of his new team that “it’s incredible. This is the best place I could possibly be.” He signed with the Texans as an inside linebacker and practiced for the team Monday morning and afternoon. The Texans waived undrafted rookie Evan Frierson, a linebacker out of Illinois State. Coffey will be competing for a roster spot in a position that has been somewhat thinned by injury, and he has a lot of support to count on from friends, family, and even his former co-workers at Enterprise.

“It’s tough to lose somebody, but if you’re going to lose them, this is a great way to do it,” said Michael Hein, an assistant manager at the Sugar Land Enterprise. “I knew Elliot back in middle school, so it’s awesome to see him get this type of opportunity. He’s got everybody’s support with this company.”

Cooper Welch is a Houston Texans writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @cooperwelch1991, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google