Today the Washington Commanders announced the Art Monk jersey retirement – a historic milestone. The franchise will honor the iconic #81 jersey during their Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This momentous retirement ceremony will take place on November 2, 2025, during Sunday Night Football.
Majority owner Josh Harris led a contingency of Redskin dignitaries to Monk’s house to give him the good news. That group included former teammates Doug Williams, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders, as well as Team President Mark Clouse.
“You showed us what greatness looked like every single day with your work ethic, and your humility and how you carried this franchise with dignity,” said Clark.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Art Monk joins an exclusive group of Washington legends – becoming just the sixth player in franchise history to achieve the distinction. Previously, Sammy Baugh (#33), Bobby Mitchell (#49), Sean Taylor (#21), and Sonny Jurgensen (#9) and Darrell Green (28) have received the honor.
Art Monk Jersey Retirement Marks The Hall of Fame Legacy
Monk carved out an extraordinary NFL career. He played 14 seasons in the league, spending most of his time with Washington from 1980 to 1993. Despite a long wait, Canton finally came calling.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Monk in 2008. This recognition came after years of debate about his credentials. Moreover, many NFL players, coaches, and analysts consider him one of the greatest wide receivers ever. His statistics certainly support this claim.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Monk changed the wide receiver position during his era. Monk caught 106 passes in 1984, setting a new NFL record. The first NFL player to break the century mark in a season. This achievement demonstrated his reliability and consistency. Similarly, he led the league in receptions three times during his career.
He became the first player to ever catch 900 career receptions. This milestone seemed impossible when he entered the league in 1980. After all, the Redskins own Charley Taylor retired as the NFL’s all-time leading receiver with 649 receptions just three years previously (1977).
On October 12, 1992, Monk caught a pass on Monday Night Football against the Denver Broncos, to surpass Steve Largent (Seahawks) as the All-Time NFL Receptions Leader with his 820th career reception.
Subsequently, he finished his career with 940 catches for 12,721 yards and 68 touchdowns.
Super Bowl Success
Team success defined Monk’s Washington tenure. He helped the franchise win three Super Bowl championships during the 1980s and early 1990s. These victories came in Super Bowls XVII, XXII, and XXVI. Moreover, Monk’s performance in clutch moments proved invaluable.
He consistently delivered during playoff runs.
Impact Beyond Statistics
Monk’s influence extended far beyond mere numbers. He mentored younger players and embodied professionalism. His work ethic set the standard for future generations. Furthermore, he demonstrated how dedication and consistency lead to greatness.
“He was a leader,” said Joe Gibbs. “Here’s a guy that probably said the least of any guy on the team, yet he was one of our best leaders.”
The ceremony will honor more than just statistics. It will celebrate a player who valued team success over personal glory. Monk’s approach to the game reflected Washington’s winning culture during the 1980s and 1990s.
At his Hall of Fame speech, Monk stated, “In all due respect, that as great as this honor is, it’s not what really defines who I am, or the things that I’ve been able to accomplish in my life.”
The man has always been first class.
“I’m just so honored,” said Monk when he was presented with the news. “I’m so thankful… I played the game because I loved the game and I loved to play.”
Timing
The jersey retirement comes at a time when Washington is experiencing renewed optimism under new leadership. Retiring Monk’s jersey is another opportunity to create a bridge between past glory and future aspirations.
Fans will witness history during that Sunday Night Football game. The ceremony will remind everyone of Washington’s rich football heritage – especially given that the team will be wearing the new alternate uniforms that are said to honor the “Super Bowl years”.
The November 2nd ceremony will offer a great opportunity to lament about the good ole days.
Nobody will ever wear the number 81 in Washington again.
Congratulations to James Arthur Monk – the greatest wide receiver in franchise history.
Author’s Note:
I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Art Monk at the Ken Harvey Football Fan Classic in 2003. He was as eloquent and as gracious as I had hoped he would be. It was a hot day and I had just received some Steve Spurrier inspired site merch which included visors, so I asked Art if he would like a hat. He graciously accepted and like a giddy school boy I handed him one. It’s more than 20 years later and the energy of that interaction has not been tarnished a single bit. In fact, seeing Art in that visor is still one of the single biggest thrills I have been afforded from running this website.
