Congratulations Pouring In For Former NFL Star Art Monk
The Washington Commanders will celebrate franchise legend Art Monk later this year.
On Tuesday, the Commanders revealed that they will retire Monk's No. 81 during a Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Hall of Fame wide receiver will become the sixth Commanders player to have his jersey retired.
The Commanders posted a heartfelt video of Monk receiving the news. A contingent including Commanders owner Josh Harris, president Mark Clouse, former teammates, and family members surprised Monk at his home.
"This is a moment that's been a long time coming," former Washington receiver Gary Clark told Monk. "You showed us what greatness looked like every single day in your work ethic, and your humility, and how you carried this franchise with dignity."
The NFL world celebrated the announcement on social media.
"It's about time!" Andrew Siciliano said. "At one point, Art Monk held the NFL records for most career receptions, most in a single season, AND most consecutive games with a catch. Crime that he had to wait over a decade for HOF."
"This is awesome," JP Finlay of NBC Sports said. "Congrats to a very well deserving Art Monk."
"One of my childhood favorites," former NFL player Damien Woody wrote. "Congratulations."
"Beyond choked up," a fan said. "For me, Art Monk is the epitome of dedication, determination, class, sincerity, and dignity in the NFL.
"Well deserved and long overdue," a fan said.
Monk, who played for Washington from 1980 to 1993, is the franchise's all-time leader in catches (88) and receiving yards (12,026). The three-time Pro Bowler was a member of their last three Super Bowl champions, tallying 113 yards in a Super Bowl XXVI victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Monk retired as the NFL's all-time receiving leader after playing his final two seasons with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
The Commanders will retire Monk's No. 81 alongside Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, Sonny Jurgensen, and Sean Taylor on Nov. 2 while wearing throwback burgundy and gold uniforms.Congratulations Pouring In For Former NFL Star Art Monk first appeared on The Spun on Jul 15, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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