The Washington Commanders are honoring Hall of Famer Art Monk by planning to retire his jersey number 81. This special ceremony will occur at halftime of their home game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 2. This momentous occasion should finally give Monk his due, as one of the all-time greats of the franchise. He served unwaveringly in that capacity from 1980 through 1993. The game will feature the team debuting their throwback alternate burgundy and gold jerseys, reminiscent of the era when Monk showcased his remarkable skills on the field.
Art Monk walked away from the game at the end of the 1995 season as the NFL’s all-time leading receiver, with a career total of 940 catches. His 24th place on the all-time career rankings is misleading, as his legacy continues to shape the game. Exciting news remained in store as, in 1984, he broke the single-season record with a stunning 106 receptions. His contributions went far in helping to lead the Commanders to three Super Bowl titles.
John Keim, who still covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN, focused on Monk’s importance to the franchise and its fans. The announcement of retiring Monk’s number comes from Josh Harris, the team’s majority owner, who expressed his excitement about the event. Harris’s message to Monk was clear— “You were the first person I called when I bought this franchise.
Besides his illustrious football legacy, Monk has written or co-written four books, adding to Monk’s legacy. He is currently the sixth player in the franchise’s history to have his number retired. He enters the pantheon of Washington greats and Hall of Famers Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, Sonny Jurgensen and Sean Taylor.
Gary Clark, a former teammate of Sanders, made it clear just how big of a deal this moment was. This is a moment that’s been a long time coming. You showed us greatness every day of your life, with your work ethic, your humility, and the dignity with which you carried this franchise on your back.
“I’m just so honored, I’m so thankful…. I played the game because I loved the game and I loved to play.”
The number retirement of Art Monk perfectly recognizes his amazing accomplishments on the field. Beyond that, it commemorates his unapologetic morality and indelible mark left upon the Washington community. Fans are excited as the Titans prepared to host the Seattle Seahawks. Neither can we, for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that’s sure to honor a genuine legend of the sport!
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