Coleman confirms, downplays health condition he has dealt with his entire life

It turns out a toe injury was not the only health situation Atlanta Falcons draft pick Tevin Coleman had to deal with last season.

The former Indiana running back told ESPN.com he has a sickle cell trait that can hinder his endurance and sap his energy, especially at high altitudes or in extreme heat.

As evidenced by his 2,000-yard senior season, Coleman is able to play through the condition, which he was sure to point out differs from the more severe sickle-cell anemia.

"Teams thought I had the full-blown sickle cell anemia, but this is the trait, so it’s not as bad as sickle cell anemia," Coleman told ESPN. "If I had (sickle cell anemia), I would not even be playing. You can’t even run if you have that. I said to those teams that I just had the trait and I’ll be good. I played all throughout college. I’ll be good."

As far as dealing with his condition -- which was shared by several members of the IU football team as well as notable ex-NFL players Terrell Owens and Ryan Clark -- the former Hoosier just has to be more mindful of his hydration and be sure to give himself a little extra time to recover if he starts to feel fatigued.

"Take two plays off and just get my breath back and just right back out there," Coleman said. "I’ve played in hot weather before. I know how to take care of my body. I know how to take care of myself. It will be all right."

(H/T ESPN.com)