Monte Coleman, legendary linebacker, passed away Sunday at 68. For 16 seasons, Coleman was the beating heart of Washington’s defense, a player who embodied the grit, loyalty, and excellence of the franchise’s golden era.

An official kickoff event was held this week to begin preparations for the draft, which will take place on the National Mall and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands and potentially up to 1 million fans from across the country.

Longtime Washington linebacker and former Arkansas Pine Bluff head coach Monte Coleman died on Sunday, the university announced. He was 68.

Jonah Coleman became the third Husky drafted when he was selected by the Broncos in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

The NFL is staging the 2027 draft on the National Mall, which will make for quite a setting. This year's event drew 805,000 fans in the Steel City. Perhaps next year's installment can approach seven figures.