Art Monk’s induction into the NFL Hall of Fame was a long time coming. He is one of the best reasons why the players and coaches should decide who is worthy of entry.
Monk played 16 years in the NFL and should have entered the hall on his first year of eligibility. He was denied entry for 13 years because there were many in the sports media (writers, columnist and editors) who didn’t like his attitude when it came to the sporting press. He learned early in his career the members of the media could not be trusted. They ran hot and cold, especially those in the Nation’s Capitol, home of the Washington Redskins.
He never thought he was obligated to give and interview and answer their stupid questions like “what were you thinking when you dropped that ball for a touchdown” or the classic question asked of QB Doug Williams by a reporter at the 1988 Super Bowl, “What does it feel like being a black QB playing in the Super Bowl?” Monk never played their game during his entire NFL career. He knew 90% of the writers surrounding his locker after each practice and each game never played the game. Many would not know the difference between a post pass pattern and the Washington Post newspaper.
One major league baseball manager was heard to say “The qualifications to be a sports writer in America all you need is a driver’s license.” Art Monk could not have agreed more.
During his acceptance speech I think the most provocative statement he made was when he said, I was fine with the waiting game you guys were playing. I am honored to finally be inducted into this sacred fraternity, but football does not define who I am.”
What was Art Monk on a football field? On Sunday afternoons in football stadiums around the country he was Mr. Consistent, Mr. Clutch and Mr. Dependable. Monk was drafted in the first round (18th pick overall) of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins in 1980 out of Syracuse University. He was a running back at Syracuse but the Redskins immediately made him a wide receiver. They have had a lot of success in turning running backs into great wide receivers. Running backs like Bobby Mitchell and the greatest wide receiver in Redskin history, Charlie Taylor. Taylor was an electrifying runner after the catch, he could entertain and thrill you with a short catch over the middle or a long catch down either sideline. He was also a devastating downfield blocker. In my opinion Art Monk is second only to Taylor on the All-Time great wide receivers who played for the burgundy and gold.
Roland ‘Bubba’ Grimes and Bryce Bevill are DC homegrown and Syracuse alumni. They are the co-authors of a new book titled “TOTAL FOCUS of Character, Academy, Discipline, and Faith.” Grimes says, “I remember the day the skins drafted Monk after trading away 12 years’ worth of first round picks under Coach George Allen. None of us had heard of the guy but from day one he was an absolute stub on the football field and many of us tried to learn his game and follow his work effort.
Art Monk befuddles the sports media with his discipline and focus. Not only has he excelled in football but he also is just as accomplished in his walk with Christ and leadership in his own home. These are very difficult domains to balance in the NFL with all the travel and temptation at every NFL stop. However, I think the guy’s life is truly just beginning now that he can invest more time into his family, community and his role as a trustee at our alma mater, Syracuse University. Now is the time that he can be outspoken and advocate on any stage for anything that tugs at his heart.”
Art Monk’s 14 year career with he Washington Redskins was a highlight reel of consistency. He once set an NFL record with a catch in 164 straight games. When it was 3rd down and five yards or longer we all knew who the quarterback would be looking for. He wore number 81 Art Monk. He was a quarterback’s best friend and cornerback’s worst enemy. He was a nightmare to most cornerbacks who seldom stood taller then 6 foot and over 180 pounds. Monk was 6’3 and 210 pounds. To see him running in your direction was double jeopardy. The cornerback was left thinking “Is he coming to knock my head off or to catch a pass?” Advantage the wide receiver. I will take a great wide receiver over a great cornerback on any given Sunday. The wide receiver knows where he is going and the cornerback has to guess. The cornerback on an NFL team is usually the team’s best athlete. The cornerback position is the most difficult on the field. Congratulations to Darrell Green on his induction. His NFL 20 year odyssey and tenure was unbelievable.
When Art Monk retired after the 1995 season he held the career record for receptions (940). He was a three time Pro Bowl selection and a first team All-Pro in 1984. Monk played on three Super Bowl Championship teams. In 1984 he set an NFL record with 106 receptions in a season. He was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1980s. Where is the media beef?
He was never a controversial personality in the locker room or in the community. There were never any whispers about drugs and he was never seen chasing skirts all over DC like many of his teammates. The one thing that I admired about Art Monk, even though he was surrounded by flawed teammates who where pretending to be Christians, he never allowed their behavior to interrupt his walk with God. Dexter Manley is his friend and not his leader.
Unlike most of the players you would usually see gathering at midfield to pray after the conclusion of a hard fought game, he was serious about God and his place in his life. He was a model citizen. Art Monk was a great catch for the NFL Hall of Fame.
Monk played 16 years in the NFL and should have entered the hall on his first year of eligibility. He was denied entry for 13 years because there were many in the sports media (writers, columnist and editors) who didn’t like his attitude when it came to the sporting press. He learned early in his career the members of the media could not be trusted. They ran hot and cold, especially those in the Nation’s Capitol, home of the Washington Redskins.
He never thought he was obligated to give and interview and answer their stupid questions like “what were you thinking when you dropped that ball for a touchdown” or the classic question asked of QB Doug Williams by a reporter at the 1988 Super Bowl, “What does it feel like being a black QB playing in the Super Bowl?” Monk never played their game during his entire NFL career. He knew 90% of the writers surrounding his locker after each practice and each game never played the game. Many would not know the difference between a post pass pattern and the Washington Post newspaper.
One major league baseball manager was heard to say “The qualifications to be a sports writer in America all you need is a driver’s license.” Art Monk could not have agreed more.
During his acceptance speech I think the most provocative statement he made was when he said, I was fine with the waiting game you guys were playing. I am honored to finally be inducted into this sacred fraternity, but football does not define who I am.”
What was Art Monk on a football field? On Sunday afternoons in football stadiums around the country he was Mr. Consistent, Mr. Clutch and Mr. Dependable. Monk was drafted in the first round (18th pick overall) of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins in 1980 out of Syracuse University. He was a running back at Syracuse but the Redskins immediately made him a wide receiver. They have had a lot of success in turning running backs into great wide receivers. Running backs like Bobby Mitchell and the greatest wide receiver in Redskin history, Charlie Taylor. Taylor was an electrifying runner after the catch, he could entertain and thrill you with a short catch over the middle or a long catch down either sideline. He was also a devastating downfield blocker. In my opinion Art Monk is second only to Taylor on the All-Time great wide receivers who played for the burgundy and gold.
Roland ‘Bubba’ Grimes and Bryce Bevill are DC homegrown and Syracuse alumni. They are the co-authors of a new book titled “TOTAL FOCUS of Character, Academy, Discipline, and Faith.” Grimes says, “I remember the day the skins drafted Monk after trading away 12 years’ worth of first round picks under Coach George Allen. None of us had heard of the guy but from day one he was an absolute stub on the football field and many of us tried to learn his game and follow his work effort.
Art Monk befuddles the sports media with his discipline and focus. Not only has he excelled in football but he also is just as accomplished in his walk with Christ and leadership in his own home. These are very difficult domains to balance in the NFL with all the travel and temptation at every NFL stop. However, I think the guy’s life is truly just beginning now that he can invest more time into his family, community and his role as a trustee at our alma mater, Syracuse University. Now is the time that he can be outspoken and advocate on any stage for anything that tugs at his heart.”
Art Monk’s 14 year career with he Washington Redskins was a highlight reel of consistency. He once set an NFL record with a catch in 164 straight games. When it was 3rd down and five yards or longer we all knew who the quarterback would be looking for. He wore number 81 Art Monk. He was a quarterback’s best friend and cornerback’s worst enemy. He was a nightmare to most cornerbacks who seldom stood taller then 6 foot and over 180 pounds. Monk was 6’3 and 210 pounds. To see him running in your direction was double jeopardy. The cornerback was left thinking “Is he coming to knock my head off or to catch a pass?” Advantage the wide receiver. I will take a great wide receiver over a great cornerback on any given Sunday. The wide receiver knows where he is going and the cornerback has to guess. The cornerback on an NFL team is usually the team’s best athlete. The cornerback position is the most difficult on the field. Congratulations to Darrell Green on his induction. His NFL 20 year odyssey and tenure was unbelievable.
When Art Monk retired after the 1995 season he held the career record for receptions (940). He was a three time Pro Bowl selection and a first team All-Pro in 1984. Monk played on three Super Bowl Championship teams. In 1984 he set an NFL record with 106 receptions in a season. He was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1980s. Where is the media beef?
He was never a controversial personality in the locker room or in the community. There were never any whispers about drugs and he was never seen chasing skirts all over DC like many of his teammates. The one thing that I admired about Art Monk, even though he was surrounded by flawed teammates who where pretending to be Christians, he never allowed their behavior to interrupt his walk with God. Dexter Manley is his friend and not his leader.
Unlike most of the players you would usually see gathering at midfield to pray after the conclusion of a hard fought game, he was serious about God and his place in his life. He was a model citizen. Art Monk was a great catch for the NFL Hall of Fame.
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