Laveranues Coles may be the most well-known NFL alum in the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Department, but he was not the first former player to wear that blue police uniform.
Coles, a wide receiver in the league for 10 seasons (2000-09), joined the Department earlier this year. He joins former linebacker Jeff Kopp and wide receiver Ernest Wilford, who were on the force before him.
After Coles’ playing days ended, he returned to his hometown of Jacksonville and became involved in a few small businesses there for more than a decade. However, he felt there was something missing in his life.
“My police job allows me to feel like I am part of something greater than myself,” the 47-year old Coles recently said. “I feel like I felt when I was playing in the league. This job gives me a sense of purpose and I feel good about it.”
Coles was the Jets’ third-round draft choice out of Florida State in 2000 and later played in Washington and Cincinnati. He had 674 catches for 8,609 yards and 49 touchdowns during an outstanding career.
Jeff Kopp joined the Department in 2022 and has risen to the rank of detective. His five seasons (1995-99) as linebacker in the league included three with the Jaguars.
“The people who call us on the job are probably experiencing their worst day,” Kopp says. “We can usually just go to the call, bring some calm and peace, and de-escalate the situation. After that, we try to help them figure something out.”
Ernest Wilford, who played wide receiver for seven seasons (2004-10) with the Jaguars and Dolphins, joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2015. He was the first notable alum to trade his football jersey for a police uniform in Jacksonville. He has been recognized on several occasions for his community work, including neighborhood activities in coordination with his former Jaguars team.
We at NFL Alumni salute all the first responders in our ranks and thank them for their service.
