Full Breakdown
Monte Coleman, Three-Time Super Bowl Champion, Dies at 68
4/28/2026, 2:29:56 AM
Death Announcement and Immediate Reactions
The Washington Commanders and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) confirmed on Sunday that former linebacker Monte Coleman died at age 68. No cause of death was disclosed.
Early Life, College, and NFL Career
Monte Coleman was born on November 4, 1957, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He walked on at the University of Central Arkansas and became its first NFL draftee, selected in the 11th round of the 1979 draft by the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders). He spent his entire 16-year career with Washington, helping win three Super Bowls (1982, 1987, 1991) and retiring in 1995. He later joined Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a linebackers coach, became head coach in 2008, and guided the Golden Lions to a Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012.
Key Figures and Organizations
Key figures include Monte Coleman; the Washington Commanders, who issued his death notice; owner Josh Harris; UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson; former general manager Charley Casserly; and Hall of Famer Darrell Green, who holds the franchise record for most games played.
Career Statistics
Career statistics: 215 regular-season games (second-most in franchise history); 1,002 total tackles (Fox News) versus 999 solo tackles (Fox 5); 49.5 sacks; 17 interceptions with three or four defensive touchdowns (sources differ); led the NFL with 118 tackles in 1980; 22 college interceptions at Central Arkansas; inducted into the Washington Ring of Fame in 2015.
Official Statements and Summaries
The Commanders’ statement highlighted Coleman as one of the franchise’s greatest players, noting his durability and leadership on three championship defenses. UAPB’s athletic director praised his embodiment of the university’s values of excellence, integrity, and commitment to student-athlete development, and referenced his community impact and Ring of Fame induction. Former GM Charley Casserly recalled his role in elevating the nickel linebacker position.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on total tackles (1,002 vs. 999 solo) and defensive touchdowns (four vs. three). The cause of Coleman’s death was not disclosed. One source cites 22 college interceptions; other reports omit this detail.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” — Josh Harris, Commanders owner
- “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.” — Josh Harris, Commanders owner
- “Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB,” — Chris Robinson, athletic director
- “He may not have invented the position of nickel linebacker,” — Charley Casserly, former general manager
