When it comes to stories that intertwine legacy, grit, and the complex evolution of football careers, few are as captivating as the recent reflections of Washington State University (WSU) alum Erik Coleman on Kansas City Chiefs’ newest quarterback, Gardner Minshew. At first glance, this might seem like a simple case of a former Cougar discussing another – a passing of the torch, if you will – but deeper examination reveals it to be much more. It’s a conversation rooted in culture, tradition, perseverance, and, ultimately, the evolving nature of leadership in today’s NFL. Coleman, who carved out a respectable career in the NFL as a hard-hitting safety, knows what it means to battle uphill, earn respect, and represent Pullman with integrity. When he speaks on someone like Minshew, people listen.
Coleman’s comments came at a time when Gardner Minshew’s move to the Kansas City Chiefs has sparked conversations across the league, not just because of the Chiefs’ high-profile stature but also due to what Minshew represents. He’s not your typical backup quarterback, and he never has been. He’s a cult hero, a journeyman, and yet, paradoxically, a figure many see as a potential difference-maker if given the right opportunity. For Coleman, Minshew’s journey is both familiar and inspiring.
Growing up in Spokane, Washington, Erik Coleman was always undersized for his position. Coming into WSU in the early 2000s, he wasn’t projected to be a star. But with relentless work ethic, film study, and a nose for the ball, he became a staple of that Palouse defense and earned his way into the NFL. That backstory is essential to understand why someone like Coleman identifies so deeply with Gardner Minshew. “It’s not just that he played at WSU,” Coleman noted in a recent interview. “It’s the way he plays, the way he carries himself. He’s got that chip. He never got anything handed to him, and that’s something every Cougar understands.”
To understand why Minshew’s story has resonated so strongly, especially with former players like Coleman, it’s crucial to look back at his 2018 season at Washington State. Minshew, a graduate transfer who was nearly set to join Alabama as a backup, instead opted for Mike Leach’s Air Raid system at WSU. That decision changed the trajectory of his career. In one magical season, he threw for 4,779 yards and 38 touchdowns, led the Cougars to an 11-win season, and earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. But it wasn’t just the stats that captivated fans. It was the moxie. The mustache. The bandana. The raw emotion. He didn’t just lead a football team—he ignited a community.
Erik Coleman, who now works as an analyst and mentor for younger players, said that watching Minshew that year was like watching someone embrace everything Pullman stood for. “We’re a small town. You’ve got to earn everything,” he said. “Gardner came in with no guarantees. He was supposed to be a backup, maybe. Next thing you know, he’s putting up record numbers, beating teams nobody thought we’d beat, and becoming a national story. That’s Cougar football.”
Now fast-forward to the present. The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off another Super Bowl appearance, decided to bring in Minshew as a strategic insurance policy. While Patrick Mahomes remains the undisputed starter and face of the franchise, the signing of Minshew signals more than just roster depth. The Chiefs saw something in Minshew that goes beyond statistics. They saw leadership, adaptability, and the kind of football intelligence that wins games when the margins are razor-thin. Erik Coleman sees it too, and he’s bullish on what Minshew can bring to that locker room, even if his primary role remains as a backup—for now.
“One thing people don’t talk about enough,” Coleman shared, “is how important that QB room is. You’ve got Patrick, who’s obviously a generational talent. But having a guy like Gardner in that room—it’s massive. He prepares like a starter. He’s vocal. He’s got command. That lifts everybody.”
There’s also something to be said about Minshew’s mental toughness. Coleman, who played against some of the best quarterbacks during his time in the NFL, understands how fragile confidence can be in such a demanding position. “I’ve seen quarterbacks fold when things don’t go their way,” he explained. “With Gardner, I’ve watched him in Jacksonville, in Philly, in Indy—he never stops grinding. Never stops believing. That kind of resilience is rare.”
It’s not just mental resilience that has Coleman impressed. He believes Minshew’s physical skills are routinely underrated. “People like to talk about his arm strength like it’s a liability,” he said. “But I’ve watched his tape. He throws with anticipation, he reads defenses quickly, and he knows when to take calculated risks. That’s more valuable than just having a cannon arm.”
Beyond the Xs and Os, Coleman is adamant that Minshew brings something less tangible but equally vital: culture. The Chiefs have a strong locker room culture, largely built around Mahomes’ unselfish leadership and Andy Reid’s steady hand. In that environment, someone like Minshew doesn’t just survive—he thrives. “He’s going to fit in perfectly,” Coleman said. “He’s got a magnetic personality, but he’s not about himself. He’ll be the first to crack a joke, but also the first in the film room. That balance is hard to find.”
Of course, the discussion inevitably turns to the big question: could Gardner Minshew start again in the NFL? Coleman thinks the answer is yes. “If you give him the right situation,” he stated confidently, “he can absolutely be a starter. Maybe not a franchise guy that you’re building around for 15 years, but if you need someone to step in and win you games? I’d put my money on him any day.”
It’s not just lip service. Coleman is part of a growing number of former players and analysts who believe Minshew could end up being one of the most valuable backup quarterbacks in the league—if not someone who eventually earns another full-time starting shot. His 2023 campaign with the Colts showcased his ability to navigate difficult circumstances. Despite a rotating cast of offensive linemen and an inconsistent run game, Minshew delivered steady performances and nearly helped the Colts reach the playoffs. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed by players who understand the intricacies of the game.
But the heart of this story isn’t just about Minshew’s future—it’s about what he represents. For players like Coleman, who once walked the same campus, trained in the same weight room, and wore the same crimson and gray, Minshew is a modern-day embodiment of WSU grit. “He’s keeping the legacy alive,” Coleman said. “When young players look at Gardner, they see what’s possible. You don’t have to be the most hyped. You just have to believe, work, and show up every single day.”
Interestingly, Coleman has taken that sentiment into his post-football life. As a mentor and speaker, he often uses stories like Minshew’s to drive home larger lessons about perseverance, identity, and controlling the controllables. “You can’t always control how people see you,” he tells young athletes. “But you can control how you prepare. You can control your energy, your mindset. That’s what Gardner does. Every rep, every snap—he’s locked in.”
There’s also a deeper layer to this conversation that touches on the shifting dynamics of the quarterback position in the NFL. Gone are the days when teams could afford to stash developmental QBs with raw talent but no mental readiness. The modern NFL values players who can step in, manage a game, and maintain momentum. Gardner Minshew is the poster child for that evolution. He’s battle-tested, tactically sharp, and, most importantly, emotionally mature. Coleman believes this is the direction teams should be moving toward. “It’s not about flash,” he said. “It’s about function. Can you come in, run the offense, not make dumb mistakes, and lead grown men? Gardner can.”
Another point Coleman raised was Minshew’s ability to adapt across different systems and coaching styles. From Mike Leach’s Air Raid to Doug Marrone’s conservative play-calling, to Shane Steichen’s modern, hybrid offense—Minshew has learned to mold his skill set to fit the system rather than forcing the system to bend to him. “That’s rare,” Coleman emphasized. “Some guys are so rigid, they fail when the system changes. Gardner just adapts.”
As the NFL preseason ramps up and the Chiefs begin sorting through their depth chart, many will look at Minshew’s presence as an insurance policy for Mahomes. But Erik Coleman—and those who truly understand football—see it differently. They see it as a strategic move, a culture-builder, and possibly, a sparkplug. There’s even a quiet belief among insiders that Minshew could end up being a mentor to younger players on the Chiefs’ roster, especially if they draft or develop a young quarterback down the road.
In the end, Coleman’s reflections serve as more than just praise for a fellow WSU product. They highlight the intangible qualities that separate good players from great ones, and role-players from game-changers. “It’s not about what the media says,” he concluded. “It’s about how your teammates talk about you behind closed doors. And trust me—guys love playing with Gardner.”
As for what the future holds for Minshew, only time will tell. But with advocates like Erik Coleman in his corner and a new opportunity in Kansas City—a place that values preparation, humility, and execution—he’s positioned as well as any backup in the league. For now, he’s still the mustachioed maverick who once lit up the Palouse, but in the eyes of Coleman and others, he’s much more than that. He’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets preparation, and heart meets opportunity.
That’s the kind of story worth telling—not just for football fans, but for anyone chasing a dream.
