The Washington Redskins announced Oct. 28 that 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Darrell Green and Art Monk will receive their Hall of Fame rings during a pre-game ceremony prior to the Washington Redskins-Dallas Cowboys game on Nov. 16, 2008.
"Art and Darrell are very deserving of this honor and it will be special for them to receive their rings and share this experience with Redskins fans," said Redskins Owner Daniel M. Snyder. "This will be a wonderful and memorable evening to celebrate the significant accomplishments of these two great Redskins."
Green, a first-round selection out of Texas A&I University in 1983, played 20 seasons for the Redskins. He earned seven Pro Bowl berths and was named to the National Football League's All-Decade Team of the 1990s. Green played in four NFC Championship games and three Super Bowls. He was renowned for his speed, winning the NFL's Fastest Man Competition four times and also the World's Fastest Athlete title in 1991.
A two-time Super Bowl champion, Green holds franchise records for seasons (20), Pro Bowl selections (7), games played (295), games started (258), interceptions (54), interceptions returned for touchdowns (6), and longest fumble return for touchdown (78 yards). He also established an NFL record by registering an interception in 19 consecutive seasons.
Since his retirement, Green has been heavily involved with operating the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, which he started with his wife, Jewell, in 1988 to help children develop into leaders who positively influence their families and communities. For his philanthropic endeavors, Green received the 1996 NFL Man of the Year Award, an NFL honor which recognizes a player for his community service activities as well as his excellence on the field.
"My induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a humbling celebration of not only my professional career, but a time to rejoice over the sum of my life's blessings," said Green. "Having the Redskin fans show up the way they did to support Art and I made it an even more memorable and treasured experience. I am so excited to get my ring before the Dallas game and share this honor with all the fans that supported me my entire career. It's going to be a special evening."
Monk began his pro career as a first-round draft selection by Washington in 1980. He was a unanimous all-rookie selection and his 58 receptions were a Redskins rookie record. Monk spent 14 of his 16 NFL seasons with the Redskins. During his tenure with Washington, the team won three Super Bowls and had just three losing seasons. He exceeded the 50 catch plateau nine times during his career and gained more than 1,000 yards receiving five times.
Monk set then-NFL records for most catches in a season (106) and most consecutive games with at least one reception (183). In 1992, he became the NFL's then-all-time leader in receptions (820). He finished his career with 940 receptions and 68 touchdowns in 224 games.
Monk is active in the community, working with the Good Samaritan Foundation he launched in 1993 with former Redskins Charles Mann, Tim Johnson and Earnest Byner. The mission of The Good Samaritan Foundation is based on the strong commitment of its founders to "Prepare Youth for Leadership in the Community and the Workplace." This mission is achieved through the Student Training Opportunity Program, which provides youth with the environment needed to equip them with the skills, training and resources necessary to compete successfully in society.
"I never had the privilege of playing in FedEx Field, but I'm sure it seats the same loyal and committed fans that cheered for me while playing at RFK Stadium," said Monk. "To receive my Hall of Fame ring in front of our Washington area fans not only allows me to share the moment with them, but it also gives me the opportunity to express my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for their unwavering support for so many years."
