Monte Coleman, a member of the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame, has passed away. He was 68 years old.
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The Commanders issued a statement on Sunday and confirmed the passing of the three-time Super Bowl champion. The team said that Coleman is survived by his wife of 43 years, Yvette, and his children Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey, and Londie.
We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman
Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones pic.twitter.com/m5F1rT0mKG
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 26, 2026
"Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history," Managing Partner Josh Harris said in a 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."
An 11th-round pick in the 1979 NFL Draft, Coleman spent 16 seasons with the Commanders — then the Redskins. He played linebacker while appearing in 215 career games and playing under head coaches Jack Pardee (1979-1980), Joe Gibbs (1981-1992), Richie Petitbon (1993), and Norv Turner (1994).
Coleman only started 62 games, but he still contributed with some significant plays. He tallied 17 interceptions while roaming the middle of the field, and he returned three for touchdowns. He added 52 forced fumbles and 49.5 sacks.
The Arkansas native posted 1,002 combined tackles during his career. This includes 999 solo tackles, which ranks second in franchise history. He also ranked second behind cornerback Darrell Green in total games played for Washington.
Coleman appeared in 21 playoff games during his career. He tallied two interceptions, two forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and five tackles. He helped Washington win the Super Bowl to close out the 1982, 1987, and 1991 NFL seasons.
The veteran defender moved into the coaching world after his NFL career ended. He began coaching linebackers for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He then took over as head coach in 2007 and won a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 2012.
"A legend. A leader. A Golden Lion forever," the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff said in a statement. "We mourn the loss of Coach Monte Coleman, whose impact on UAPB Football and countless lives will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts."
