Ronnie Coleman is a world-renowned professional bodybuilder, considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Known for his unmatched size, strength and dedication, Coleman won the Mr. Olympia title eight consecutive times from 1998 to 2005. His iconic catchphrases like “Yeah buddy!” and “Lightweight baby!” have become cultural staples in fitness communities.
But beyond the weights and glory, Coleman lived a double life — one in which he wore a badge.
Who is Ronnie Coleman?
Coleman, born May 13, 1964, in Monroe, La., is best known as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. A standout athlete in high school, he earned a football scholarship to Grambling State University, where he played under legendary coach Eddie Robinson and graduated with a degree in accounting.
After college, Coleman moved to Texas and eventually joined the Arlington Police Department in 1989, beginning what he called his “dream job.” While working as a police officer, he was introduced to Metroflex Gym, where gym owner Brian Dobson encouraged him to enter his first bodybuilding competition. Coleman quickly dominated the sport, winning his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998, and going on to win eight consecutive titles, tying the all-time record.
In recent years, Coleman has endured a long series of serious health challenges stemming from his years of extreme physical training. He has undergone double hip replacements and multiple spinal surgeries to treat damaged intervertebral discs. As a result of these surgical interventions, Coleman now uses a wheelchair, no longer able to walk unassisted. Despite this, he continues to train with light weights and remains committed to his recovery, publicly stating his goal to walk again by 2027.
Was Ronnie Coleman a cop?
Yes, Coleman was a police officer, serving in law enforcement even as he began building his legendary bodybuilding career. Many fans are surprised to learn that before becoming an eight-time Mr. Olympia, he wore a badge and uniform with pride.
Where was Ronnie Coleman a cop?
Coleman joined the Arlington (Texas) Police Department in 1989, working full-time as a police officer. Even as he trained and competed professionally, Coleman continued his police duties — balancing both careers with remarkable discipline. His commitment to public service remained strong throughout his early rise in bodybuilding and he later transitioned into a reserve police officer role, continuing his involvement in law enforcement while competing on the world stage.
How long was Ronnie Coleman a cop?
Coleman served as a police officer from 1989-2001. Even after becoming a global fitness icon, Coleman remained committed to public service — working evening shifts and weekends while training and competing at the highest level.
Ronnie Coleman quotes about being a cop
Coleman has consistently expressed deep pride and affection for his time as a police officer. In interviews, documentaries and podcasts, he’s spoken candidly about how much the job meant to him — often stating it was his true calling.
In his 2018 Netflix documentary (now playing on Amazon Prime), “Ronnie Coleman: The King,” Coleman said, “I loved being a police officer. It was my dream job.” In fact, in one of his YouTube videos, Coleman said, “I had so much passion working for the police department that I would have done it for free.”
In an interview with Muscle & Fitness, Coleman told the popular fitness and bodybuilding magazine that “bodybuilding was a hobby — being a cop was what I did.”
This furthers the fact that Coleman didn’t pursue bodybuilding for fame or fortune. Instead, his training began as a way to stay in shape for police work, which was his primary focus at the time. It was fellow officers and Dobson who recognized his potential and urged him to compete.
Even after becoming Mr. Olympia, Coleman stayed humble and loyal to the police department. One memorable story from Coleman’s documentary details his relentless routine: working overnight patrols, going straight to the gym and then catching flights to compete in bodybuilding shows — often without his department even knowing how successful he had become. On balancing both roles, he reflected: “I didn’t quit being a cop because of bodybuilding. I just couldn’t physically do both anymore.”
Follow Ronnie Coleman on social media
Coleman’s journey is one of grit and greatness — from walking a beat as a police officer to dominating the world stage. His dedication to both public service and personal excellence is unmatched and his story continues to inspire across generations.
Despite the physical toll of his career, Coleman remains as driven as ever. He continues to train, recover and motivate millions — this time through social media. You can follow Coleman’s daily routines, recovery updates, gym sessions and classic catchphrases on Instagram and YouTube. Whether you’re a fan of fitness, discipline or just love a comeback story, Coleman is still lifting — just in a different way.
Police1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
