Greenville’s hometown hero, Elbert Foules, former five year NFL cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles (1983–1987) and Hall of Fame Alcorn State University football player has made Mississippi his home after retiring.
Foules has committed and dedicated his free time to be a youth sports coach at Greenville Parks and Recreation – giving back to his community. When asked why he does what he does his answer is always, “I want to coach my grandchildren”. Foules currently is the head coach for his grandchildren’s 3-and-4 year-old tiny tees team “Elbert Eagles”. The team consists of a dozen players and the team name is dedicated to his former NFL team -- Philadelphia Eagles.
Foules had a successful season at Alcorn State University. The moment that changed Foules’ college football career was a rival game against Jerry Rice and the Mississippi Valley State Devils. During the game Foules pocketed 4 interceptions against Rice with one awarding him a 72 yard return touchdown. Rice was limited to only one touchdown as a result of Foules’ grit on the field. Foules in a recent interview explained that this particular game propelled him to the next level to professional football.
After playing for five seasons and recording ten interceptions in his career, Foules moved to the sidelines to become the football coach at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Later, he was hired by Southern University in Shreveport, Louisiana, a junior college, as the athletic director and women's basketball coach.
