Monte Coleman, who played 16 seasons with Washington’s NFL franchise, has died. He was 68.
His death was announced Sunday by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Washington Commanders.
No cause of death was detailed.
He played linebacker for Washington from 1979 to 1994, appearing in 215 regular-season games, second only to Hall of Famer Darrell Green for most in franchise history. Coleman was part of three Super Bowl鈥憌inning teams and ranks second in franchise history in solo tackles.
“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chris Robinson said in a news release.
“His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day,” Robinson said.
Coleman was born Nov. 4, 1957, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He began his college career as a walk-on at Central Arkansas before being selected by Washington in the 11th round of the NFL draft in 1979.
Coleman later returned to UAPB as a linebackers coach before serving as head football coach from 2008 to 2017. His tenure included a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 2012.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris said Coleman was one of the greatest players in franchise history.
“He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold,” Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris said .
“Monte will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family, his friends and all who knew him,” Harris said.
鈥淗e may not have invented the position of nickel linebacker,鈥� then-general manager Charley Casserly said when Coleman retired in 1995. 鈥淏ut he rose it to a level which has not been seen since.鈥�
Coleman was inducted into Washington鈥檚 Ring of Fame in 2015.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
漏 2026 91欧美激情. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
