Commanders announce retirement of Art Monk's No. 81 in touching video
Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris has done it again. On Tuesday, the Commanders announced they are retiring legendary wide receiver Art Monk's No. 81 jersey. Monk will be honored during the Week 9 Sunday night game against the Seattle Seahawks, which takes place on Nov. 2.
A contingent led by Harris, team executive and Redskins legend Doug Williams, team president Mark Clouse, and some of Monk's former teammates, such as Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders, arrived at Monk's home to surprise him. Washington's contingent and Monk's family members all wore No. 81 burgundy t-shirts with Monk's number on the back.
Here's the touching tribute video:
One number. Forever legendary.Art Monk's number 81 will officially be retired this season pic.twitter.com/T1bLURR2Yg
Monk was a first-round pick by Washington out of Syracuse in the 1980 NFL draft. He played his first 14 seasons with the Redskins, before finishing his career with stints in New York (Jets) and Philadelphia. Monk finished with 940 career receptions, 12,721 receiving yards, 68 touchdowns, was a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection. Monk was also a part of three Super Bowl championship teams.
At the time of his retirement, Monk was the NFL's all-time career leader in receptions. While his numbers have since been eclipsed multiple times, Monk's greatness is often overlooked. In fact, the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee foolishly made him wait for years to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. When he finally made it, Monk was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside fellow Redskins legend Darrell Green.
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