Ranking the top 25 wide receivers in NFL history…
15. Art Monk
Drafted 18th overall by the Washington Redskins in 1980 out of Syracuse University, Monk established himself as a reliable possession receiver, earning All-Rookie honors with 58 catches for 797 yards in his debut season.
Over 14 seasons with Washington, Monk set an NFL record with 106 receptions in 1984 for 1,372 yards, earning Pro Bowl, All-Pro and team MVP accolades while leading the league in catches. He was part of “The Posse” in 1989, one of three receivers to each surpass 1,000 yards that year.
Monk contributed to three Super Bowl victories: XVII (1982), XXII (1987) and XXVI (1991), with standout playoff performances including 10 catches for 122 yards in Super Bowl XXVI. He achieved five 1,000-yard seasons and nine with 50+ receptions, holding records for consecutive games with a reception (183) and being the first to reach 900 career catches. After Washington, he played one season with the Jets (1994) and part of 1995 with the Eagles before retiring.
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Monk’s career totals: 940 receptions, 12,721 yards (13.5 average) and 68 touchdowns over 224 games, plus 1,062 playoff yards and seven scores. At retirement, he ranked first in receptions and held marks for touchdown catches in 15 straight seasons.
Monk’s standout attributes included his 6-foot-3, 210-pound build for physicality and exceptional durability, playing through injuries without missing extended time. His playing style was methodical and consistent: a chain-mover who excelled in short-to-intermediate routes, with strong hands for contested catches and precise timing to convert first downs.
Monk’s quiet demeanor contrasted his on-field impact, earning him NFL 1980s All-Decade Team honors.
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He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and had his No. 81 jersey retired by Washington in 2025.
But who ranks ahead of Monk at No. 14 all-time?