NFL legend Monte Coleman has died at the age of 68, two of his former teams have confirmed.
Tributes began to emerge on Sunday, with both Washington and Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions leading the way with the kind words. No cause of death has been announced as yet.
Coleman was a central figure in Washington’s most successful ever era, playing his part in three Super Bowl-winning teams. Across 16 seasons, the 6’2″ player became one of the most dependable names on any NFL team sheet.
His back door route into the NFL didn’t quite hint at what was coming for the man. Washington selected him in the 11th round of the 1979 Draft with the 289th overall pick.
Players taken that late don’t usually hang around in the sport for long, let alone go on to define an era. Coleman did both. He stayed with Washington for his entire 16 year career and became a mainstay in their defence. His consistency helped underpin those three title-winning sides.
Coleman made more than 200 appearances for Washington during that spell, giving the team a level of stability that stretched across more than a decade.
Recognition followed long after he stepped away. In 2015, Coleman was inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame. It cemented his place among the franchise’s most important ever figures.
The Commanders (who were – rather controversially – known as the ‘Redskins’ during Coleman’s playing career) paid tribute shortly after news broke. ‘We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman,’ the team posted on X. ‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones’.
Managing partner Josh Harris expanded on that message, chipping in personally to pay his respects, saying: ‘Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington 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.’
‘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.’
Harris finished his tribute with something of a personal note: ‘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.’
A look back at Coleman’s career
Before joining the National Football League, Coleman had already made his mark locally. He stood out at Pine Bluff High School before moving on to the University of Central Arkansas. By the time he reached the draft, he’d built a strong foundation to launch a career in the sport.
He stepped away from playing in 1994. Football didn’t stay away from him for long though, even if there was a gap before his almost inevitable return. In 2003, he re-joined his hometown side Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a linebackers coach.
Within three years, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. His influence within the programme grew quickly.
In 2008, Coleman became head coach. He remained in the role for a decade and led the team to the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012. It was the standout achievement of his coaching career.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff also confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday. The university described him as a ‘revered leader whose impact on the game of football and countless lives will be felt for generations.’
The statement also reflected on his wider contribution to their setup. Coleman was called 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 went on. ‘His influence helped shape the lives of countless young men who wore the Golden Lion uniform.’
The football legend’s old university side also ended their message with support for Monte’s grieving relative: ‘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.’
Funeral details have not yet been confirmed. The school said information on memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.
Former players have also been sharing their memories of the man. Gabe McDonald, who played under Coleman, posted photos of them together on X. His tribute focused on the opportunity he was given…
‘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,’ he wrote. ‘Fly high, Coach Coleman. You’ll be truly missed’.
Chris Robinson, UAPB’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, highlighted the same theme. ‘Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,’ he said.
‘His legacy is not only written in championships and honours, but in the lives he changed every single day.’