Over the years, it was fans who clamored for Art Monk to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Art Monk, typically, never said much.
While flashier contemporaries like Michael Irvin were getting in, the quiet Monk kept getting passed over (seven times). Now, Monk finally sees his name next to Irvin and the other great players in NFL history.
"They seem to get the attention. But for guys like myself, I don't care. That's just not who I am. That's not what I'm about. I'm not doing it for recognition. I'm doing it because I love this sport, and I want to win and do the best I can. If you do that, people will recognize you."
All Monk did was hold the single-season receptions record (a once-amazing 106) and record for consecutive games with a reception (164). He also held the all-time receptions record. All those records have since been broken by either Jerry Rice or products from a pass-happy NFL.
None of that discredits what Monk did. Sure, it's hard to go back and find that one great Monk play but all those slants over the middle, curls and sideline grabs that moved the chains were equally important. If anyone could do it, why haven't many? And he did so before rules changes in the early 1990s made it difficult to defend the pass game.
Don't get me wrong: there is nothing wrong with being a flashy receiver who produces. Guys like Irvin certainly belong in the Hall. But for every great deep threat there are guys just working the middle, fighting to get off the line, shoving around with linebackers and safeties and making catches in traffic.
Redskins fans never waited for that great Monk play to happen. They were busy watching important ones happening like clockwork.
I'm so happy that Monk will finally get that gold jacket and have his name placed in the Hall. The man deserves it. To paraphrase former Skins' QB Joe Theismann, there is room for a great player and a great man in the HoF.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-02-2008 @ 6:34AM
giant fan since 57 said...
It's so hard to compare the careers of receivers due to all the variables. The quality of the quarterback, the team's overall game plan, the mesh with the other receivers played with, even factors you wouldn't ordinarily consider such as, was the team a contender or were they forced to throw because they were always behind. Even things like poor weather at home stadiums and varieties of turf or grass can be a factor.
All that said, Art Monk was one of the greatest clutch receivers I ever watched. He always managed to make the impossible grab and had an uncanny ability to make it just past the sticks or just inside the end zone.
Copngratulations to Art also for setting a great example for the kids who watched his class act.
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8-02-2008 @ 12:23PM
Les said...
Not only a great player, but one with CLASS!!!
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8-04-2008 @ 1:28PM
Jason Stuart said...
I heard Art Monk and his son speak as Mr. Monk was inducted into the Hall Of Fame and I was very pleased and happy when I heard them both talk about Jesus! I too have something to share about how Jesus has worked in my life and I would like to share it with Mr. Monk. I know with all my heart that it will be appreciated and I believe it would also do well with his Foundation.
Jesus has given me a gift and I have done well in sharing it with people everyday but I am not in the position to be on t.v. or anything like that and share. That's why when I heard Mr. monk and his son speak I felt like I should try to contact them and also say, Thank you,,," for sharing Jesus to millions of people.
Please contact me and allow me to share with you the gift that Jesus has given me to share with others.
Your brother in Jesus!!!
Jason Stuart
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