Monte Coleman facts for kids

Monte Leon Coleman, born on November 4, 1957, is a famous American former football player. He played as a linebacker for 16 seasons with the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders) in the National Football League (NFL). After his playing career, he became a successful head football coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Monte Coleman's Football Journey

Monte Coleman started his football journey playing college football at the University of Central Arkansas. This school was part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) at the time. For his first three years, he played as a safety. Then, in his senior year, he switched to playing linebacker.

He set an amazing school record with 22 interceptions during his college career. An interception happens when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. Monte was the very first player from Central Arkansas to be chosen in the NFL Draft. The Redskins picked him in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL draft.

Playing for the Washington Redskins

Monte Coleman played for the Washington Redskins for a very long time, from 1979 to 1994. This means he played in three different decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s! He played in 217 games for the Redskins, which is the second-highest number of games played by any player for the team. Only Darrell Green played more games.

Monte is one of only three players who spent at least 16 seasons with the Redskins. The other two are quarterback Sammy Baugh and Darrell Green. During his time, Monte also recorded 56.5 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. This is the fourth-highest number of sacks in the team's history.

Monte Coleman had a very successful career with the Redskins. He played in the Super Bowl four times, which is the championship game of the NFL season. He helped his team win the Super Bowl three times! These victories were in Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXVI.

Key Player Statistics

Here are some of Monte Coleman's impressive stats from his NFL playing career:

• His jersey number was 51.
• He had 43.5 sacks.
• He made 17 Interceptions.
• He scored 3 Touchdowns.

Awards and Recognition

Monte Coleman has received many honors for his achievements in football and his community work.

Monte Coleman during his induction into the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame on December 20, 2015

• In 1993, he was chosen for the "All Madden Team" by famous football commentator John Madden.
• In 1996, Washingtonian Magazine gave him the Washingtonian of the Year Award.
• He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
• In 2003, he was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins, a special honor for the team's best players.
• He won the 2007 Elijah Pitts Award for his lifetime achievements in athletics in Conway, Arkansas.
• On December 20, 2015, Monte Coleman was honored by being added to the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame. This is a special place for the most legendary players in the team's history.

Coaching Career Highlights

After his playing days, Monte Coleman became a coach. He worked at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He started as a linebacker coach and also served as the team chaplain.

On November 26, 2007, he was named the head football coach for the university's team. A big moment in his coaching career happened on December 8, 2012. Monte coached the Arkansas–Pine Bluff team to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship! They won by defeating Jackson State 24–21 in the SWAC Championship Game.

Monte Coleman's Family Life

Monte Coleman lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, which is also where he was born. He lives there with his wife, Yvette, and their three children. His son, Kyle Coleman, also played professional football for the Los Angeles Chargers.