Washington legend will have jersey number retired after Hall of Fame career

One of the greatest players in the history of football played in the nation's capital is getting well-deserved recognition.

The Washington Commanders announced that they will retire the No. 81, which was worn so brilliantly by Art Monk during his Hall of Fame career.

Monk lived up to all the hype.

He was the 18th overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft out of Syracuse.

Monk would play 14 seasons in Washington, catching 888 passes for 12,026 yards and 65 touchdowns.

He capped his career with a season apiece with the Jets and the Eagles, but he will always be remembered for his time with the then-Redskins.

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Monk had five 1,000-yard seasons and led the NFL in receptions in 1984 with 106.

He also won three Super Bowl rings with Washington.

Full name James Arthur Monk, Art is 67 now and will get his great franchise recognition this season.

No player for Washington will ever wear his famous No. 81 again.

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