MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Sept. 1, 2025) | Alabama State University Vice President and Director of Athletics announced the hiring of Tyrone Poole as the new Women's Flag Football Head Coach on Monday.

Poole, who attended and played football for Fort Valley State University in Ft. Valley, Ga., where his athleticism caught the attention of the NFL. Drafted in the first round of the National Football League (NFL) Draft, Poole went on to play 14 years in the NFL — 12 of those years as a starter — and won two Super Bowls XXXVIII (38) & XXXIX (39) with the New England Patriots under legendary coach Bill Belichick. 
 

"I am excited to welcome Tyrone Poole to Hornet Nation," Dr. Cable said. "His professional accomplishments on the field speak volumes, but what truly sets him apart is his dedication to mentoring young athletes and growing the sport of flag football at the collegiate level. He brings integrity, a championship mindset, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field."

He graduated from Lagrange High School in LaGrange, Ga., where he lettered football and track and field. Poole was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers and was the first defensive back taking (22^nd overall) in the first round of the NLF (22nd overall). 
 
Pooole played collegiate football at Fort Valley State University.  While at Fort Valley, he was a four-year starter and became the first player from the university to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.  Tyrone also competed in Track and Field, setting school records in the 100 and 200 meters.  He placed in the Track and Field Outdoor National Championship his sophomore, junior and senior years.
 
Poole is one of only two athletes in Fort Valley State history to obtain All-American status in two sports (Football and Track and Field). Poole is an inductee of the Division II Football Hall of Fame and SIAC Hall Of Fame.  
                                                     
Poole the Author of "Ultimate Success in The Game Of Life" and the inventor of the "T38 Multi-Training Sled".  He believes that, "All things are possible with God".   
 
Poole is current author, speaker, inventor, entrepreneur and fitness evangelist. However, his greatest passion is the Tyrone Poole 38 Foundation, and its three pillars: Education, Fitness, and Humanitarianism
 
Poole lives out this message in countless ways — from hosting "Ultimate Success Life Skills Seminars" for underserved youth, to teaming with The Disability Channel to offer "virtual walk" fundraisers throughout the globe.
 
Regardless of the charitable endeavor, Poole ensures that education and fitness are incorporated into his philanthropic outreach. From funding academic scholarships, to underwriting fees for his football camps, Tyrone's heart for youth is boundless. And when it comes to humanitarianism, Tyrone is always there — from supporting global natural disasters, to sponsoring food drives hometown of LaGrange, Ga.

"Poole's commitment to education, personal development, and athletic excellence aligns perfectly with Alabama State's mission. Beyond football, he is a published author, motivational speaker, and founder of the Tyrone Poole 38 Foundation—an organization focused on fitness, education, and humanitarian efforts," Cable stated.