Memorial Day weekend, a time for familial gatherings and relaxation, took on a unique twist for NFL wide receivers Keon Coleman and CeeDee Lamb.
Instead of lounging by the barbecue, the two cousins seized the opportunity to refine their skills on the field.
Coleman, a rookie for the Buffalo Bills, and Lamb, an All-Pro for the Dallas Cowboys, recently trained together under the guidance of wide receiver and tight ends specialist Delfonte Diamond.
Known for his work with numerous NFL pass-catchers, Diamond shared photos and videos of the training session on social media, showcasing the duo running routes and executing drills.
Interestingly, Coleman and Lamb only recently discovered their familial connection.
Both were born in Opelousas, Louisiana, a small city in the heart of Acadiana.
🧬🧬🧬@keoncoleman6 / #bills #TROTD pic.twitter.com/oHNqSDXVad
— Delfonte Diamond (@DelfonteDiamond) May 27, 2024
While Coleman grew up in Opelousas, Lamb’s family relocated from New Orleans to Houston, Texas, after Hurricane Katrina.
Their shared heritage came to light during the pre-draft process, with Coleman revealing the connection during an appearance on the “RG3 and The Ones” podcast.
“I don’t claim just Louisiana cousins,”Coleman explained.
“His grandfather and my great-grandmother, they’re first cousins. We just found it out. Louisiana is a small place, and everybody from Louisiana-if they’re in Texas, their people come from Louisiana, for the most part.”
Despite their busy schedules, the cousins have managed to train together a few times.
For Coleman, working alongside Lamb, one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, is invaluable.
Lamb’s performance last season, with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, solidified his status as an elite player, earning him first-team All-Pro honors.
The training session is particularly encouraging for Coleman as he prepares for his rookie season with the Bills.
Learning from Lamb offers Coleman a glimpse into the habits and techniques of a seasoned professional, even if replicating Lamb’s impact on the field is a tall order.
Adding to the intrigue, Lamb is currently in the spotlight due to ongoing contract negotiations with the Cowboys.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Lamb is reportedly waiting to see the terms of Minnesota Vikings’Justin Jefferson’s new contract before finalizing his own extension.
This strategic approach is influenced by recent lucrative deals signed by top receivers like Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Lamb’s exceptional 2023 season further underscores his value, making the Cowboys eager to secure their future with the 25-year-old star.
However, balancing salary cap space while planning for future contracts, including those of key players like edge-rusher Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland, presents a challenge for Dallas.
