Ronnie Coleman

Sport: Bodybuilding

Induction Year: 2020

University: Grambling

A Bastrop native who played linebacker for coach Eddie Robinson’s Grambling Tigers in the mid-1980s (1983-86), Coleman became one of the world’s top professional bodybuilders and is considered the “Michael Jordan” of his sport. He shares the record of eight straight wins (1998-2005) as Mr. Olympia, and holds the record for most overall wins as an International Federation of Bodybuilders professional with 26 career victories, breaking the previous mark of 24 in Moscow in 2004.

A cum laude accounting graduate of Grambling, he worked in law enforcement in Arlington, Texas, when he became involved in the sport. He had been on the powerlifting team at Bastrop High, and had an impressive physique due to his constant workouts. After a Mr. Texas crown in 1990, his first major bodybuilding title was the heavyweight crown in the 1991 World Amateur Championships, earning the title Mr. Universe. His pro resume includes wins in Canada, Europe, Russia and New Zealand in addition to world championship events and Mr. Olympia competitions. He last competed in 2009. In 2018, he was the subject of a still popular Netflix documentary, “Ronnie Coleman: The King.”

Born 5-13-1964 in Bastrop.