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Could this finally be Art Monk's year? -The Journal


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Could this finally be Art Monk's year?

Pete Barber The Journal Wed, Jan 21, 2004

http://www.journalpress.com/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3718

For the fourth straight year, former Redskins wide receiver Art Monk is a finalist in the nominations for the NFL Hall of Fame. Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway and Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders head the class of 2004 nominees. Both are locks to make it into the Hall Of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Monk's nomination is an interesting case; he has been a finalist the past four years. The puzzling thing is why he has not made it into the Hall on any of the three previous years.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection Monk played 14 years for the Redskins from 1980 through 1993 then finished his career with a year as a New York Jet, and a year as a Philadelphia Eagle. Truth be told, the years in New York and Philly added nothing to Monk's stature as one of the NFL's premier wide recievers.

Monk closed out his career as the NFL's all time leader for career pass receptions with 940 catches. Since his retirement, several players have extended that number. Monk is presently fifth on the list for most career receptions. In addition to his pro bowl selections he compiled an impressive array of statistics, including, 12,721 yards gained, and 68 touchdown passes. He set NFL records with 183 consecutive games with at least one reception, and the single season record for most receptions with 106 catches in 1984.

What these statistics don't tell you is how much better receivers the "Smurfs," the Redskins diminutive but highly effective wide receivers Gary Clark, and Ricky Sanders were because of Monk. It was Art Monk that typically drew double coverage, giving Clark and Sanders more room to operate.

For some strange reason, whenever the discussion of Hall Of Fame nominees comes up, the knock on Monk has always been that he is a regional candidate, that his accomplishments are not well known and respected outside the Washington D C area. Monk, a quiet family man involved in the community, has never been one to blow his own horn. He went about his business in a workmanlike fashion, and pretty much lets his accomplishments speak for themselves.

His Years with the Skins 1980-1993 paralleled Coach Joe Gibbs' first tenure, 1981-1992. Perhaps the buzz about Joe Gibbs' returning to coach the Redskins, and the discussion of the Redskins glory years, and the three Super Bowl wins under Gibbs will give Monk's career a little extra exposure. This may be Monk's last best chance to be inducted into the Hall.

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I think this year will be tough given that 2 slots are already taken. I believe an 80% approval is required, and everyone knows the fat **** and Peter king won't vote yes.

What "locks" are eligible next year? If there are none, next year may be Monk's best shot. You know they're going to vote some folks in, so the competition is important.

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Monk will definitely make it in on the vote of the veteran's committee, although I hope it doesn't take long enough for it to come down to that route :(

does anyone really think that James Lofton or Charlie Joiner belong in the Hall and Art Monk doesn't? :)

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