Commanders Retire #81 of Art Monk: NFL Legend Honored

Commanders to Retire Number 81 in Honor of Art Monk

Art Monk, NFL legend and former receptions leader, will see his number 81 immortalized by the Washington Commanders. The team officially announced the retirement of the number that Monk proudly wore during his time with the franchise. Monk, who arrived at the team as a first-round pick in 1980 and played until 1993, is an emblematic figure in the history of American football. His impact transcended statistics, leaving an indelible mark on the team and its fans. The former catcher played two more seasons, one with the New York Jets and another with the Philadelphia Eagles. Monk joins Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, Sonny Jurgensen, and Sean Taylor as the only players in franchise history to have their number retired.

The tribute ceremony to Monk will take place on November 2, during the game against the Seattle Seahawks. That day, the team will also debut alternative uniforms that evoke Monk’s golden era. Monk, who retired after the 1995 season, was at one time the historical leader in receptions. He also set a league record with 106 receptions in a season (1984). During his time in Washington, he was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams. His outstanding career was recognized with his inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. A Commanders delegation, including majority owner Josh Harris, visited Monk to deliver the news. Also present were former teammates Doug Williams and Ricky Sanders, and Commanders president Mark Clouse. Gary Clark, another former teammate, was the one who broke the news to Monk.

“This is a moment that has been a long time coming,” Clark told Monk. “You showed us what greatness looked like every day with your work ethic, your humility, and how you carried this franchise with dignity.”

Gary Clark

Harris expressed his enthusiasm to Monk, reminding him that he was the first person he called when acquiring the franchise. Monk, true to his style, appreciated the honor: “I am very honored, very grateful… I played because I loved the game and I loved playing.”