A three-time Super Bowl champion linebacker(from 1983, 1988, and 1992) and influential HBCU figure has passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a lasting legacy that extended beyond the field and into college football development.

"We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman," Washington Commanders' official X post read. "Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones."

NFL legend Monte Leon Coleman has passed away in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on April 26, 2026.

Coleman was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on November 4, 1957. A standout local talent, he attended Pine Bluff High School.

Later, he joined the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), where he carved his path to collegiate football in 1975 as a Walk-on.

The legendary linebacker was drafted by the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) as an 11th-round (289th overall) pick of the 1979 NFL Draft out of Central Arkansas.

He spent his entire 16-season career with the Commanders. During his career, he played in 215 games and recorded the league's highest total of solo tackles (118) in 1980.

"Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history," Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris said in a statement.

The 2015 Washington Ring of Fame member recorded 999 solo tackles, which ranks second all-time in franchise history, and is sixth in sacks (49.5).

In 1994, he rested his cleats, but continued to contribute to the football community by joining as the linebackers coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB: excellence, integrity and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” UAPB Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chris Robinson said in a statement.

Coleman built a legacy at Arkansas, rewriting the college record books with 22 career interceptions and a single-season mark of eight. Naturally, the Washington Redskins chose to draft him. With the pick, he became the first player from the program to reach the NFL.

In 2007, he was promoted as the head coach of Pine Bluff and led his team to a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 2012.

He also led the Golden Lions to an HBCU National Championship in 2012.

Monte Coleman is survived by his wife, Yvette, and his children, Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey, and Londie.

As news broke out of his passing, various NFL faces, including Coleman's teammates, came forward to share their tributes.

Super Bowl Champ Remembered by Teammates for Leadership and Legacy

The Washington Commanders football legends remembered their beloved LB from the franchise’s championship era.

Per WTOP News, Coleman was known for his steady, durable force and was a respected teammate in the locker room who anchored the defenses for the Commanders.

“He was really respected by his teammates, leading by example through his preparation and his workout routines,” his former teammate Joe Gibbs said. 

Gibbs remembered Coleman for his work ethic during his time in active football.  He recalled that Coleman had led his team's example on and off the field.

“He really had a tremendous work ethic. But more impressive than all of that is the type of person that Monte was. He truly was well-liked by everyone he came into contact with,” he added.

With a legacy coming to an end, the former linebacker will be remembered at a public memorial service on May 8 at 11 a.m. at Grace Covenant Church, 4600 Brookfield Corporate Drive, Chantilly, Virginia.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote