Art Monk, a first-round draft choice of the
Washington Redskins in 1980, wasted little time in establishing himself as a
premier wide receiver in the National Football League. He was a unanimous
all-rookie selection and his 58 receptions were a Redskins' rookie record. Nine
times during his 16-season career with the Redskins, New York Jets, and
Philadelphia Eagles, the former Syracuse star exceeded 50 catches in a season
and five times gained more than 1,000 receiving yards. He also set NFL records
for most catches in a season (106), and most consecutive games with at least one
reception (164). His consecutive games with a reception streak extended to 183
games. In 1992, with his 820th career catch, he became the NFL's then-all-time
leader in receptions. He finished his career with 940 receptions.
Monk, at 6-3, 210 pounds, was a prototype for today's bigger,
stronger receivers. He got off the line of scrimmage quickly and never hesitated
to run patterns across the middle of the field. He was a master of the short
pass route that often left defenses unable to adjust, allowing for substantial
gains.
Art was a major part of the powerful Redskins teams that were
dominant during the 1980s. During his 14 seasons with the Redskins, the team won
three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, and XXVI) and had just three losing seasons. It
was, however, in 1984 that Monk had his finest season when he caught eight or
more passes in six games, had five games of 100 yards or more and in a game
against the San Francisco 49ers caught 10 passes for 200 yards. His outstanding
play earned him team MVP honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. His season
totals of 106 catches for 1,372 yards were career highs.
Monk went over the 1,000-yard mark in each of the following two
seasons, becoming the first Redskins receiver to produce three consecutive 1,000
yard seasons. He also became the first Redskins player to catch 70 or more
passes in three consecutive seasons.
Washington coach Joe Gibbs claimed his star receiver was the
complete package. He called him the strongest outside receiver he'd ever
coached, and was quick to point out his effectiveness at catching passes inside.
"He's big, he's strong, he's intelligent, he has everything," the Hall of Fame
coach remarked.
Monk was an All-Pro and All-NFC choice in 1984 and 1985 and was
named second-team All-NFC in 1986. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl
following the 1984, 1985 and 1986
seasons.