Art Monk

1957-

American football player

Throughout his sixteen-year professional football career, Art Monk developed a reputation for quiet determination and fearless play. The longtime Washington Redskins' receiver was known primarily as a receiver who could gain tough yardage over the middle, rather than a deep play threat. His personal records and longevity, however, were always secondary to his teams' success. After spending the majority of his career in Washington, Monk played for both the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles bringing with him the experience and leadership of a successful veteran. Despite being riddled with self-doubt, Monk went on to become one of the most productive receivers in National Football league (NFL) history.

The Early Years

Born James Arthur Monk in White Plains, New York, on December 5, 1957, he learned early on the value of family and religion. "I really enjoyed my childhood," Monk told Sports Illustrated. "We didn't have a lot of money, but enough to be happy with - to be clothed and with a roof over our heads. I can never remember want or struggle. I mean, we never had a color TV but we had a car, and there was always food on the table." Raised by hard working parents, Monk's father, a welder, was also a first cousin of jazz great Thelonious Monk and as a child Art was encouraged to pursue music. His natural

ability was surpassed only by his passion for sports and in particular football. His high school football coach saw his potential despite a lack of production on the field and recommended him to visiting scouts. With good grades and the support of his coach, Monk won a full scholarship to Syracuse University.

During his first year at Syracuse, Monk struggled again on the field. "I couldn't catch a cold," Monk said of his freshman season at Syracuse. "I don't know why. It was just a disaster. I remember practices where they'd throw the ball to me and it would hit my hands and I couldn't catch it. I knew I was better than that. I got really depressed and down on myself. And I just made up my mind that this wasn't going to happen again." His determination, however, forced him to develop a strict training regiment that helped him become one of the best pass receivers in college football by his senior year. His play caught the attention of one of his childhood heroes, Washington Redskins' scout, Charley Taylor. To his surprise, Monk was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by Washington, where he began a long and productive career.

Chronology

Career Statistics

The Redskins

In Washington, Monk was a member of a tremendously successful team in the league's most competitive division. Although his production wasn't great in either game, Monk went to the Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1982 and 1983. Continuing his relentless training regiment, Monk was the league's top receiver by 1984. The Redskins' won the Super Bowl again in 1987 and Monk's popularity in the nation's capital began to swell. The team, however, was in decline and this and a lack of satisfaction in his personal performance drove Monk to take matters into his own hands the following season. "I just wasn't happy with the way my life was going," he said. "I had an empty feeling inside, like something was missing. I was always reaching for something to make me happy or feel good - cars and money and houses. But whatever it was out there, it wasn't doing it. I really struggled for a while." He began attending Bible studies with teammates and recommitted himself to the religion in which he was raised. The serenity he discovered helped him prioritize and rededicate himself to the team. A revitalized Monk then challenged his teammates to do the same. In 1990, after taking a more visible leadership role on the team, the Redskins' advanced into the playoffs. The following year they posted a 17-2 record and defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl.

Retirement

Monk played a season with the New York Jets and one with the Philadelphia Eagles after leaving the Redskins, bringing experience and leadership to both teams. Although he retired as the second all-time leading receiver only sixty catches short of 1,000 career receptions, Monk was without regret. "I consider myself more fortunate than most who have played the game," he said. "By God's grace, I have achieved far more than I ever could have imagined. I've had a wonderful career and I will miss the game."

Awards and Accomplishments

Art Monk's career was unusual for its longevity and productivity. It was his own self-doubt and passion for the game that drove him to work harder and achieve more than most. "I do two important things in my life," Monk said. "I play football, and I spend time with my family. Most everything else is a distraction." Although he shunned the attention of the national press, he was voted the most popular Redskin of all time in a fan poll conducted during the team's 50th anniversary season. His achievements were considered for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Books

Newsmakers. Detroit: Gale Group, 1993.

Periodicals

"A Monk's Existence." Sports Illustrated (September 7, 1992): 32.

"If You Throw It, He Will Catch It." Time (October 26, 1992): 26.

"Monk, Manley and Gibbs Added to Ring of Fame." Washington Business Journal (September 15, 2000): 33.

"The Art of Receiving." Sports Illustrated (December 3, 1990): 104.

Sketch by Aric Karpinski