Many children envision “going pro” the first time they step onto a sports field, a dream further propelled by the dedication and love they have for the game through the years. For one Case Western Reserve University football player, that dream is one step closer.
Noah Coyne, a wide receiver on the Spartan football team and soon-to-be graduate of CWRU, will see his name on the back of a National Football League jersey this week as he joins the New York Giants for rookie minicamp.
Coyne, originally from nearby Painesville, received an invitation from the team after participating in Kent State University’s Pro Day last month. At CWRU, Coyne had 152 catches for 2,465 yards and 29 touchdowns during his four years on the team.
He is hoping to turn the minicamp into an opportunity to join the Giants’ 90-man roster for the summer and preseason, and to continue playing the game he loves on a new day of the week: Sundays.
“I have told myself forever that I only need one chance to show I belong in the NFL, and now that chance is finally here. I have worked so hard for this moment, so to finally have a set date and opportunity to play football in front of an NFL staff, I could not ask for a more exciting chance,” Coyne said.
While football was a major component of Coyne’s collegiate experience and a deciding factor in coming to CWRU, he remained busy and committed to his studies off the field. He will graduate this month with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from Weatherhead School of Management.
Each summer during college, he has continued growing his skills through various experiential learning opportunities. After his first year, he worked with the Mentor Public School District at its CARES (Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School). The following summer, he traveled to Australia to work for a business consulting firm with the University of Sydney. Last summer, he interned with J.P. Morgan’s Corporate and Investment Bank.
He has accepted a position with EdgePoint in Beachwood following commencement.
As a student, Coyne served as a president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and ran the football team’s social media channels during his sophomore and junior years.
Combined, his football and academic experiences have well-positioned him for his other career goal of working in the front office of an NFL team.
“I want to be able to work in an area that has had such a big impact on my life, and it would be so rewarding to work for the league that made my dream I had since I was a little kid come true,”Coyne said.
Learn more about Coyne’s love for football and experiences at CWRU.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
1. What drew you to CWRU?
I was drawn to CWRU because of its high prestige and academic rigor, but also because it was a local university for me. With it being only 40 minutes from my house, being able to have my family make it out to every single one of my games was a blessing. It was also one of the few universities that allowed me the opportunity to run track and play football, so it was already really high on my list.
When it came down to making the decision, I wanted somewhere that would propel me on a great track academically and in my career, but also somewhere where I could fit in and grow as a person and as an athlete. As I got to learn about the school a bit more from some counselors and coaches, it solidified everything for me, and I knew I was making the right choice for the next four years of my life.
2. Why did you decide to study finance?
I was originally undecided, but I knew I belonged in the business school. I enjoyed all of my introductory classes, and then when it came to taking some major-specific courses, I took a couple accounting courses and a couple finance courses. I connected well with the finance professors, and I knew my decision from there.
I really enjoy working in the numbers, but I also love telling the story of them—and I think that is where finance thrives. I have enjoyed every class I have taken here, and I was really excited when I was able to take the next step and enroll in the Integrated Master of Finance program at Weatherhead.
3. When did you begin playing football? What do you enjoy most about it?
I started playing football as soon as I was able to get into a tackle league, which I believe was right around 7 or 8 years old. I ended up quitting football in 5th grade, but I came back to the sport in my sophomore year of high school.
The thing I love most about football is how connected a team of 100+ people can become. The amount of time that we spend with each other allows us to grow as a unit, and that is something I will never take for granted. I also love the team aspect to the sport, as I think football is the most team-oriented sport out there. To do one single thing right on the field, all 11 people need to do their job.
4. Why did you decide to play in college?
I decided to play in college because I thought I did not have enough football in my life, and I really wanted to continue playing. Since I came back to football in sophomore year of high school, as well as only having a COVID season during my senior year, I knew that I wanted to keep playing to get the most football I could in my life. I knew that as soon as I gave up on football, I would regret it and wish I would have kept playing. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play here, and it has been the best decision of my life.
5. What’s been your favorite memory as a member of the CWRU football team?
My favorite memory has to be the trip to Italy and Greece that the team went on during my freshman year. I still consider that to be the greatest week of my life, and I got close with a few guys that I am best friends with now during that trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as we were able to play an American football club in Rome, and then spend a week seeing the two countries. We also got to visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and that was one of the most surreal experiences of my life.