Commanders to retire Hall of Famer Art Monk's No. 81 in November
Monk, who played 14 of his 16 seasons in Washington, holds a number of franchise records, including his 888 receptions and 12,026 receiving yards. His 205 games played are most all time for an offensive player in franchise history and second-most overall. His 65 receiving touchdowns also rank second in franchise history. In addition to the individual accolades, which include an All-Pro selection in 1984 and three Pro Bowls (1984, 1985, 1986), Monk was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams in Washington (1982, 1987 and 1991) as well.
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After finishing his career with one-year stints with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, Monk was inducted into the franchise's Ring of Fame. After an eight-year wait, Monk was enshrined in Canton in 2008, where he famously received the longest ovation in the history of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Although the Commanders are just now officially taking No. 81 out of rotation, nobody has worn the number since Monk left the franchise in 1993. The team posted a video of the moment Monk was given a surprise visit by a handful of his old teammates to inform him of the honor, which left Monk speechless.
One number. Forever legendary.
Art Monk's number 81 will officially be retired this season pic.twitter.com/T1bLURR2Yg
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 15, 2025
Monk is the sixth player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sean Taylor (21), Sonny Jurgensen (9) and Darrell Green (28).
Last week, the Commanders announced their new alternate 'Super Bowl Era' uniforms and helmet, which will honor the franchise's most successful era. The Commanders will wear those throwback uniforms three times in the 2025 season, with the debut being the Week 9 matchup when they retire Monk's No. 81. They will also wear the uniforms in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos and Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys.
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