Monte Coleman, a linebacker who played on all three of Washington’s Super Bowl championship teams, has died. He was 68 years old.
The Commanders announced his death on April 26 with a post on the team’s X account that read, “We mourn the passing of Monte Coleman, one of the greatest players of all time in Burgundy & Gold.”
“Our deepest condolences are with his loved ones.”
Team owner Josh Harris offered to provide further input.
“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Harris’ statement said. “He played on all three Super Bowl championship teams and was one of the pillars of our championship defense. His durability and leadership set the standard for what is worthy of the Burgundy & Gold.”
“Monte will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Coleman’s family, his friends, and everyone who knew him.”
Drafted in the 11th round out of Central Arkansas in 1979, Coleman quickly settled in Washington, playing all 16 of his NFL seasons there. At a time when Hall of Famers Mike Singletary, Harry Carson and Jack Lambert were among the league’s most famous off-ball linebackers, Coleman wasn’t festooned with personal accolades, but he was still a key defensive cornerstone to Washington’s success under head coach Joe Gibbs in the 1980s and early ’90s. During this period, the club appeared in Super Bowls 17, 18, 22, and 26, winning all of them except Super Bowl 18, which they lost to the underdog Los Angeles Raiders.
Coleman was a fixture on these teams, leading the league in tackles with 118 in 1980, the first of three seasons in which he reached the century mark. He finished his career in 1994 with 17 interceptions and 49 1/2 sacks. His 215 regular season appearances rank second in franchise history behind Coleman’s longtime teammate, Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green. Coleman also appeared in 21 playoff games, including four Super Bowls, and totaled 1.5 Super Sunday sacks.
A pillar of the Washington community, Coleman was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame in 2015.
He also served as head coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 2008 to 2017.
“Coach Coleman embodies everything we strive for at UAPB: excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to the development of our student-athletes,” Chris Robinson, the school’s vice president and director of athletics, said in a statement.
“His legacy is not only marked by championships and accolades, but by the lives he changed every day.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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