Commanders to Retire Art Monk's No. 81 on November 2nd.

WASHINGTON — The Washington Commanders announced Tuesday that they will retire Hall of Famer Art Monk‘s iconic No. 81 jersey, ensuring no future player will don the number synonymous with one of the franchise’s greatest legends. The ceremony will take place during the Nov. 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks, coinciding with the debut of the team’s throwback burgundy and gold jerseys, a nod to Monk’s era.

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Monk, a first-round pick in 1980, spent 14 seasons with Washington, becoming the NFL’s all-time leading receiver upon his retirement in 1995. His career totals include 940 receptions, 12,721 receiving yards, and 68 touchdowns. Monk also set a then-record with 106 receptions in a single season in 1984. A cornerstone of Washington’s offense, he was instrumental in securing three Super Bowl championships for the franchise.

The announcement was made in a heartfelt gathering at Monk’s home, attended by Commanders’ majority owner Josh Harris, team president Mark Clouse, and former teammates Doug Williams, Ricky Sanders, and Gary Clark. Clark, a fellow wide receiver, praised Monk’s work ethic and humility, saying, “You showed us what greatness looked like every single day.”

Monk, known for his reserved demeanor, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m just so honored, I’m so thankful. I played the game because I loved the game and I loved to play.”

Monk becomes the sixth player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining legends Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, Sonny Jurgensen, and Sean Taylor. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008 cemented his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

The Nov. 2 ceremony will celebrate not just Monk’s on-field achievements but also his enduring impact on the franchise and its fans. As Harris noted, “You were my first call when I bought the franchise,” underscoring Monk’s significance to the Commanders’ storied history.

Commanders to Retire Hall of Famer Art Monk’s No. 81 on Nov. 2  was originally published on woldcnews.com