John Copeland is a former professional American football player who played as a defensive end. He was born on March 28, 1971, in Huntsville, Alabama. Copeland played college football at the University of Alabama, where he was recognized for his skills on the field. In the NFL, Copeland was drafted in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played for the Bengals from 1993 to 1996 and later joined the New Orleans Saints for the 1997 season. Throughout his career, Copeland was known for his strong defensive abilities and contributed to his teams' efforts on the field.