Washington football legend Monte Coleman has died at the age of 68, it has been announced.
Coleman won three Super Bowls during his 16-year stint with the formerly-named Washington Redskins, before becoming a coach for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – his home city – almost a decade after retiring.
The school announced his tragic passing on Sunday, paying tribute to a ‘revered leader whose impact on the game of football and countless lives will be felt for generations.’ A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
UAPB’s statement described Coleman as a ‘cornerstone of excellence both on and off the field’ who ‘leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, leadership, and championship success.’
‘Beyond wins and accolades, Coleman was a mentor, father figure, and role model to his student-athletes, instilling values that extended far beyond the game,’ the statement continued. ‘His influence helped shape the lives of countless young men who wore the Golden Lion uniform.
‘The UAPB family extends its deepest condolences to the Coleman family, former players, colleagues, and all who were impacted by his extraordinary life and career.’
Washington football legend Monte Coleman has died at the age of 68, it has been announced
The linebacker later spent a decade as head coach of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Funeral arrangements and memorial service information will be announced at a later time, the school added.
Coleman was a standout athlete at Pine Bluff High School before impressing on the football field at the University of Central Arkansas. Washington then came calling in 1979, when the Redskins selected him with the 289th pick in the 11th round of the NFL Draft.
The linebacker went on to become one of the most respected of his era, playing an integral role in three Super Bowl victories during his 16 years in Washington and racking up over 200 appearances.
In 2015, he earned a place in the prestigious Washington Commanders Ring of Fame for his achievements with the team.
‘We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman,’ the Washington Commanders posted on X after learning of Coleman’s death. ‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones’.
‘Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,’ Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris said in his own statement. ‘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.
‘Monte played all 16 seasons in Washington and ranks second in games played and fourth in sacks all-time earning him a place in the Washington Ring of Fame. Named the Washingtonian of the Year in 1996, Monte made a major impact in our community with his philanthropic work and community service.
‘Monte will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family, his friends and all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.’
Coleman won three Super Bowls in 16 years with the formerly-named Washington Redskins
After calling time on his NFL career in 1994, Coleman ventured into coaching nine years later as a linebackers coach for the Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions, before being promoted to defensive coordinator three years later.
He eventually took on the head-coaching job in 2008 and spent 10 seasons in the role, winning the 2012 Southwestern Athletic Conference.
‘Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,’ said UAPB Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chris Robinson.
‘His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.’
Gabe McDonald, who played under Coleman at UAPB, shared photos of them together on X and wrote: ‘Only coach that believed in me and gave me the chance to live out my dream of playing D1 ball, an opportunity I’m forever grateful for.
‘Fly high, Coach Coleman. You’ll be truly missed’.