Monte Coleman facts for kids

Monte Leon Coleman was born on November 4, 1957. He is a former professional football player from the United States. Monte played as a linebacker for 16 seasons with the Washington Redskins. He was part of the National Football League (NFL) from 1979 to 1994. Later, he became the head football coach for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Monte Coleman's Football Journey

College Football Days

Monte Coleman played 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. In his senior year, he changed to the linebacker position.

He set a school record with 22 interceptions. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. Monte was the 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. He was the 289th player chosen overall.

Playing for the Washington Redskins

Monte Coleman played for the Washington Redskins for a very long time. He played in parts of three different decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He played in 217 games for the Redskins. This makes him second on the team's all-time list for games played. Only Darrell Green played more games.

Monte is one of only three players to play at least 16 seasons with the Redskins. The others are quarterback Sammy Baugh (16 seasons) and Darrell Green (20 seasons). Monte Coleman also made 56.5 sacks during his career. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. This is the fourth-highest number of sacks in Redskins history.

Monte played in the Super Bowl four times. He helped his team win the Super Bowl three times. These wins were in Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXVI. He also played in Super Bowl XVIII.

Key Player Statistics

Here are some of Monte Coleman's important stats as a player:

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

Awards and Honors

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

Monte Coleman received many awards and honors during and after his career.

• 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 players.
• In 2007, he won the Elijah Pitts Award. This award is for lifetime athletic achievements.
• On December 20, 2015, he was honored by being added to the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame.

Coaching Career Highlights

After his playing career, 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, Monte Coleman became the head football coach at the university. On December 8, 2012, he led the Arkansas–Pine Bluff team to a big victory. They won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship. They defeated Jackson State 24–21 in the SWAC Championship Game.

Head Coaching Record Summary

As a head coach for the Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions, Monte Coleman's overall record was 40 wins and 71 losses. His conference record was 27 wins and 57 losses.

Monte Coleman's Family Life

Monte Coleman lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He lives there with his wife, Yvette. They have three children together. His son, Kyle Coleman, also played professional football for the Los Angeles Chargers.