Syracuse to retire Art Monk’s No. 45 jersey
Art Monk spent four years with the Orange, racking up 102 receptions and 1,644 receiving yards. Lars Jendruschewitz | Senior Staff Photographer
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Former Syracuse wide receiver Art Monk will have his No. 45 jersey retired, the program announced Tuesday. The ceremony will take place on Nov. 29, when Syracuse takes on Boston College in its regular season finale.
Monk attended SU from 1976 to 1979. Despite starting his career as running back, he ended up as one of the best wide receivers to play for Syracuse. During four seasons, he accumulated 102 receptions and 1,644 yards, marks which rank sixth and seventh, respectively, on SU’s all-time leaderboards.
Following his time in central New York, Monk embarked on an illustrious NFL career. He was the 18th overall pick by the Washington Redskins — now known as the Washington Commanders — in the 1980 NFL draft. Monk spent 14 years with the Redskins and finished his career with 940 receptions — the 24th-most in NFL history — while his 12,206 yards are the most in Washington’s history. He helped Washington to three Super Bowl titles in a nine year period from 1983 to 1992.
Monk retired in 1995. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, becoming the sixth-ever Syracuse Hall of Fame inductee.
Two weeks ago, the Commanders announced Monk’s No. 81 jersey would be retired ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2. A few weeks later, Monk will be the ninth jersey hung up in the rafters of the JMA Wireless Dome, joining Donovan McNabb (No. 5), Don McPherson (No. 9), Larry Csonka (No. 39), Joe Morris (No. 47), Dwight Freeney (No. 54), Tim Green (No. 72), John Mackey (No. 88) as well as numerous players who’ve donned the famed No. 44 jersey.
