Monte Coleman has sadly passed away at the age of 68. He previously spent 16 seasons in the NFL, playing for Washington. During his time as a professional football star, he won three Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991.
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Following the completion of his playing career, Coleman then moved into coaching, accepting a role as a linebackers coach at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which plays at the Division 1 level.
"Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB: excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes," Chris Robinson, the director of athletics at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, said in a statement, via the New York Post. "His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day."
Robinson then praised the impact Coleman had in his local community.
"He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses, having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams," Robinson continued. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold."
Coleman eventually moved into a head coaching role with the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He spent 10 seasons in the hot seat, leading the tea to the 2012 SWAC championship.
Monte Coleman Is a Washington Legend
Coleman played in 215 regular-season games for Washington during his NFL career. By the time he called it quits, he'd registered 1,002 total tackles, 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles.
He also suited up for 21 postseason games, registering two interceptions, two forced fumbles and five total tackles.
Coleman joined Washington as the 11th 289th pick in the 1th round of the 1979 NFL Draft. His success with the franchise ensured that he etched his name into the history books, becoming one of the teams greatest-ever players.
"Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history," Washington's 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."
According to the New York Post, details regarding Coleman's impending funeral will be released at a later date.
