Monte Coleman, who played 16 seasons with Washington’s NFL franchise, has died. He was 68.
His death was announced by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he’d served as head football coach from 2008 to 2017.
No cause of death was detailed.
“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 release.
“His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”
Coleman played as a linebacker for the Washington team from 1979 to 1994. During the team’s heyday, he proved to be a vital utility player on three Super Bowl-winning teams.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris said Coleman was one of the greatest players in franchise 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,” Harris said in a statement. “Monte will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family, his friends and all who knew him.”
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Coleman played in 215 games for Washington, second only to Washington Hall of Famer Darrell Green for most games played in franchise history.
Coleman was inducted into the Commanders Ring of Fame in 2015.
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