John Keim
Artwork Monk retired because the NFL's main receiver with 940 catches, however the quantity he made well-known in Washington was 81. Now, no person else who performs for the franchise will put on that jersey quantity.
The Commanders introduced Tuesday that they're retiring the quantity Monk wore from the time he arrived as a first-round decide in 1980 till he left the franchise after the 1993 season. Monk performed two extra seasons, one every with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
He turns into the sixth participant in franchise historical past to have his quantity retired, becoming a member of Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Inexperienced, Sonny Jurgensen and Sean Taylor.
Washington will honor Monk throughout a Nov. 2 recreation vs. the Seattle Seahawks — additionally the primary recreation the staff will put on throwback alternate burgundy and gold jerseys that harken to the period by which Monk performed.
Monk retired after the 1995 season because the all-time main receiver, however he is now twenty fourth on the record. He additionally set a then single-season report with 106 receptions in 1984. He was a part of three Tremendous Bowl champions throughout his Washington tenure. He was voted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 2008.
A contingent of Washington personnel, together with majority proprietor Josh Harris, went to Monk's house Tuesday morning to tell him of the information, together with former teammates Doug Williams and Ricky Sanders, and Washington president Mark Clouse. Former teammate and fellow receiver Gary Clark advised Monk what the group was doing.
“This can be a second that is been a very long time coming,” Clark advised Monk. “You confirmed us what greatness seemed like each single day together with your work ethic and your humility and the way you carried this franchise with dignity.”
Harris let him understand how excited he was and reminded Monk, “You have been my first name after I purchased the franchise.”
Monk, identified for his brevity throughout his taking part in profession, advised the visitors in his home that “I am simply so honored, I am so grateful…. I performed the sport as a result of I liked the sport and I liked to play.”
