Art Monk retired as the NFL’s top receiver with 940 catches, but the number he is best known for in Washington is 81. Now, no other player on the team will wear that jersey number.
On Tuesday, the Commanders announced that they are retiring the number Monk wore from when he was drafted as a first-round pick in 1980 until he left the team after the 1993 season. Monk played two additional seasons, one each with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
He is now the sixth player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, Sonny Jurgensen, and Sean Taylor.
Washington will pay tribute to Monk during a game on November 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. This matchup will also feature the team wearing throwback alternate burgundy and gold jerseys, reflecting the time when Monk played.
Monk retired after the 1995 season as the top all-time receiver, although he now ranks 24th on that list. In 1984, he set a record for most receptions in a single season with 106. During his time with Washington, he helped the team win three Super Bowl championships. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
On Tuesday morning, a group from Washington, including majority owner Josh Harris, visited Monk at his home to share this news. Former teammates Doug Williams and Ricky Sanders were there, along with Washington president Mark Clouse. Gary Clark, another ex-teammate and wide receiver, informed Monk about what the organization was doing for him.
“This is a moment that’s been a long time coming,” Clark said to Monk. “You showed us what greatness looked like every day through your hard work, humility, and how you represented this franchise with dignity.”
Harris expressed his excitement and reminded Monk, “You were my first call when I bought the franchise.”
Known for being brief with his words during his playing days, Monk told his guests at home, “I’m just so honored and thankful…. I played the game because I loved it and enjoyed playing.”
