After a weekend that all Redskins' fans would rather soon to forget, a bright light has shined down on former Redskin Greats! Thank you FoxSports for having a preview on the front page that immediately drew me in because of my Hero Darrell Green.
Darrell is eligible this year, as it has been five years since his retirement. Wow, that blows my mind. His last game was on my thirtieth birthday, and I cried. I am not shamed to admit that I cried buckets! Darrell honored us all by doing a lap around FedEx Field and then he gave a tear filled speech. We miss you Darrell!
After I read the article here, I went to check out the HOF's homepage. I pulled up the 2008 Preliminary Nominees and I was shocked and delighted to find that thirteen plus retired Redskins players have been nominated.
Redskins Players nominated:
Darrell Green
Gary Clark
Henry Ellard
RussGrimm
KenHarvey
Joe Jacoby
Jim Lachey
Wilber Marshall
Mark May
Art Monk
Andre Reed
Joe Theisman
Doug Williams
Ernie Zampese
These men are some of the finest football players to ever play in the National Football League, and many of them should have been inducted long before now. The most recognized case of being overlooked is that of Wide Receiver Art Monk.
I was in a local sports store in Lynnhaven Mall called Tidewater Sports on Friday and there was a shirt in there that was on display. It was for getting Art Monk in the HOF. Here in Tidewater there have been a lot of unhappy grumbles over Art being passed over time and again.
Will this finally be the year that Art is inducted? I am not sure. Art Monk has never been one to cater to the media. During his time in Washington he never really made time for the local sports writers and that is what has done him in for the past classes of the HOF.
It was not that Art felt he was above the media. It was that he is a private family oriented kinda guy. He was interviewed two weeks ago on Comcast Sports while leaving a golf game, and he said that he really hardly ever watches sports on TV. He said he is not a sports fan. Now I thought that was rather odd, but then he said that his love of sports came from playing. That I understood.
Purity of the game seems to mean so much to him. He was asked if it has bothered him that he has been passed over for the HOF, and he answered simply, "No." Most would think yeah right! But, he went on to say that if it is meant to happen, it will. That is class!
Now let me tell you about another Redskin great, Gary Clark. Gary is the best Redskins player I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Long story short....
2006- 1st. Annual Virginia Beach, Redskins Beach Blitz my Mom and I stood hours in line to get a chance to meet current and former Redskins' players. When we got to the front, the guard closed the line. My Mom and I pleaded to no avail. Gary Clark was getting up to leave and my Mom yelled out to him. We were back behind the rail, but he heard her. So we got louder calling his name, and he kept staring at my Mom and me in a line of hundreds. My Mom held up her helmet and mouthed, "Please?"
Gary Grinned and jumped the rails. You should have seen the security guards go crazy, lol. Gary got caught up in the mix of all the people waiting, but he was steadily making his way to us. When he finally stood in front of me and flashed that beautiful smile I became star struck.
He asked me what I would like for him to sign and I could not find my voice. My Mom finally elbowed me and I stuttered, "My Hat?" LOL! I leaned over and he signed the hat on my head. My voice finally came back, and I asked for a hug. He gave me the biggest, friendliest hug. When he pulled back, his Super Bowl ring was right in front of my eyes. I reached out and took his hand. He did not seem fazed and let me look at it. Okay, I had tears in my eyes because it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
I introduced him to my Mom, and these were his exact words, "I know. She is the reason I came out here. I just felt like I could not let her down." He looked at my Mom and me and said, "I have always been able to tell who is a real Redskins fan!" OMG! We were in Hog Heaven!
This year I was not able to go because I was sick, but my Mom went. She was able to get up to the table this time. When she stood in front of Gary she said, "I bet you don't remember me!" He said, "I bet I do! You got me in trouble last time." He was laughing. My Mom said, "I bet I can get you in trouble again! Gary said, "No you can't!" My Mom said, " You see that lady standing there where they cut everyone off? She is nine months pregnant and has been waiting to see you and they would not let her in." Gary flashed a grin at my Mom and said, "Your right, you did it again!"
He jumped up on the table, and the fans went wild. He looked at my Mom winked and disappeared into the crowd!
That my friends is one of the many reasons why I love my Washington Redskins! Every single guy that has been nominated has the same kind of heart and love for their fans. I am so proud of them, and this may finally be the year of the Redskins in Canton!
Great post! It's a crime that Art Monk ISN'T in the Hall of Fame! The guy was so smooth he made the game seem almost effortless. He should have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer. At least Darrell Green should be inducted this year. I bet if he were to strap it up one last time, he'd still be among the fastest players in the league. It would be sweet if both Green and Monk were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
I think it is a crime as well. Art is a gentleman, but more important, he was a fantastic football player. I like the way you described him...smooth and effortless. That is a perfect description jon!
Darrell and Art are my hero's. They played with heart and both truly loved the Redskins. All of them did, but those two are just special to me. Yes it would be great to see them both inducted together! If they were someone will have too make sure I have plenty of tissues, or someone could take me to Canton, lol!
I am glad you enjoyed this!
Thanks my friend!
~Ang
Yeah there is some really great players out there this year. It looks like this may be the year of the lineman!
Thanks for the luck. I am just happy to have something else to occupy my mind since Sundays catastrophe!
Take care my friend,
~Ang
PS,
Let me know when you post, if you can, so that I can get over there more often. I have been so busy with the Competition and then buying a new car, and getting a new job. Sorry if I have not stopped by recently! You know you are one of my Favorite here at FoxSports, and I do not want you to think I have forgotten you.
Ang. thanks for thinking of me and the kind words.
I haven't posted anything lately that's worthy of advertising so you haven't missed much. LOL
I've been following the competition, but trying to stay out of the way. All of you that signed up have done an awesome job. Some excellent pieces. I'll try to do a better job of keeping touch.
Last edited by Texascudaguy on October 31st at 1:57 AM.
After looking over the new nominees, it appears Darrell Green is the most likely to go in. I also like the chances of Art Monk and Russ Grimm. If the new nominees don't pan out, it's likely some of the wrongs of the past might be finally corrected. Although not a Redskin, Ray Guy comes to mind along with Monk.
Another exceptional story Ang. I really loved hearing how Gary Clark jumped the rail to give you and your mom autographs. Art Monk deserves to be elected into the HOF this year. Looking over all of the nominees, it brought back many great memories. There are so many on the list that deserve to be inducted, I can understand why it's difficult to select just a few each year.
Thanks! Yes Gary is a great guy. He was just inducted into the Ring of Honor @ FedEx Field, and he showed his personality again when he gave his speech!
I agree Darrell is more likely to get in, and I am very hopeful that Art will make it this year. Russ should make it, because he was a Great Player, but also because he is a Coach now.
I am hoping you are right about past wrongs being righted. Ray Guy should absolutely make it in. He is the model of what Kickers now should look up to.
Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed it. Gary is a terrific guy. I did not want too make this to long, but I have few other stories from then that are no where near as great, but still was a good time.
Yes Art does deserve to be there. Should have been there a while back. There are truly some really great nominees on that list.
I know only a few make it, but I just wanted to celebrate the amazing Redskins who are on the list. It must be a heck of a tough job to have to pick who makes it in!
Art Monk is more deserving to be in the HOF than anyone currently eligible. Sportswriters are caught up in exotic numbers and flash. This guy epitomized what a great player was. He did everything for his team, broke records and was the best blocking Wide Receiver of his time. As a Steeler's fan, Hines Ward reminds me alot of Art Monk in the way he sacrifices his personal goals for team goals and is the best blocking WR in the game right now.
Also, another name that gets no recognition is DAVE BUTZ. He was a DOMINANT defensive lineman when he came from St. Louis and was even better with Washington. Another player who put his team first, but was money in clutch time. There would not have been alot of hype about Dexter Manley and Charles Mann w/o Butz.
Darrell will get in soon, but I would like to see Art get in first.
vb chic redskins'
If there's been one guy on the Redskins' team that I've always admired not just because of his demeanor on and off the field. It's been Darrell Green. He's the epitome of what the game has been about to my mind. I for one hope that he garners the votes needed to enter Canton. Without a doubt one the best players ever to put on a Redskins' uniform.
I think they should be the two most considered for the 2008 class. But the Hogs are in there, plus two great QB's. I would actually like to see Doug Williams make it in as well.
I understand that it is hard for 'Boys fans, but I felt the same way about Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. Both were absolutely fantastic players!
Great story, Ang. I never thought about it much, but the Skins do have a history of those high-character type of guys.
Darrell Green was definitely one of the best players in this league...ever! Even more amazing that he was able to play such a demanding position for so long.
Art sure does deserve it. He really was such a fantastic player, and sportswriters have always held against him the fact that he never took the extra time for them. I just hope they can get past that, and realize it is Art's time!
I love Dave Butz. He always put the team first and you are right about Manley and Mann. They needed Dave, and he propelled them into the status they obtained. I have met Charles Mann, and he is another great, friendly Redskin! I have always felt so bad for Dexter...I always wonder what could have been for him.
Good stuff Ang...
Lots of great listed there too... I always loved to watch Darrell Green and Art Monk play... ahh the good ol' days with the 'skins. Here's to hopin' we can somehow squeeze a playoff berth this year.
You hit the nail right on the head. Darrell Green, both on and off the field, has done some absolutely amazing things. He has always been a player that I carry closest to my heart because he truly loves the team and the fans. Also, his charity work, which spans a lot of the Mid-Atlantic, has done incredible things for children who do not have the things needed for a great future!
Thanks for the comment!
~Ang
PS,
He can still beat most of today’s current players at the Pro-Bowl in a relay race. Darrell was the fastest man on the earth for a long time!
Thank you! There really are some great guys nominated. You and I got to be a part o####reat time for the Redskins. Art and Darrell just made being a 'Skins fan that much more wonderful! Yes, the good ol' days....sigh.
We will keep our fingers crossed that a post-season is in the Redskins near future. God I hope so!!!!
I hope Monk and Green both get in this year. I was upset when Monk got passed over last year. Isn't it funny that Terrell Owens wears the same number as Monk? They're complete opposites.
I too hope so much that they get in. Monk has been passed over a few times and he really should be there by now. I am hoping that this is his year!
I know I have thought about that before. 81 has always been a sacred number for Redskins fans, as well as 28. Owens and Monk are on two ends of the spectrum, lol!
Thanks for stopping in!
~Ang
Last edited by vbchic_Redskins_fan on October 31st at 10:51 AM.
When Monk retired, he held the records for receptions and most consecutive games with a reception. There are likely others, but there isn't much that's exotic about my two examples. The reason Monk is out is because of Peter King, a Cowboy apologist who won't approve of any other teams' stars getting in until he gets some 1970s Cowboys in first. The others writers are afraid of the smiting that would take place if they don't stay in line.
Thanks! Art should have already been, but Darrell just became eligible this year, because of the five year rule. But, I agree they sure do deserve to be!
btroup,
The "exotic" I was referring to was TD receptions and yards per catch. Both of which, Monk was never high on the all-time list. The perception, which was incorrect, was that Art was a 9 yard in or hook route receiver. This was not true, as Monk was clutch on 3rd down, made big plays in big games and blocked better than any other WR of his time. His big failing to many sportswriters was that, essentially he did not play in SB 17 (due to injury) and was coming off another injury for SB 22 and did not make any significant plays in SB 26, other than the TD that was reversed by replay. Sportswriters tend to magnify these games. You have to count Dr. Z at SI among those with Peter King as one who does not give much respect to Monk. King has come around a bit, starting last year, he voted for Monk in the early voting. Plus, remember, Art didn't talk to reporters when he played, and they are the ones that vote for HOF. He will get in soon.
That is a great explanation of Arts career, and why he is not yet in the HOF. I watched a report done by Comcast that said the exact same thing. I have heard that Peter King has been a staunch opponent to Art getting in, but just recently a local DC reporter has been talking with Peter, and he also seems to think Peter is coming around! Lord I hope so!
I am enjoying the topic this week. I am doing research as we speak. I saw the HOF list last night, and had to jump on this, lol! You know it is great to have something positive to write about the 'Skins this week.
Hey have a great Friday off! I love it when a Thur. becomes an early Friday. Enjoy Mike, you deserve it!
wow Ang thx for taking me back in time there. You are right there are many former Skins that should be in the HOF. None more deserving than Art Monk. The man had records for recieving when he retired what more did he need to do? I remember Clark also. he was fun to watch wasn't he? I hope Green and Monk make it in this year. Goodluck to you in the contest and also for your skins throughout the rest of the season. I like the new avatar by the way. very cute ma'chere. take care mon'ami
Well gambitxxx you are certainly welcome for the trip back in time. Thank you for stopping in and reading, and I am glad you enjoyed.
Art Monk, hands down, should have been in long ago! Yes, Gary Clark was always been a ham, lol! He was great fun to watch! He was such a warm and friendly guy when I have had the opportunity to talk with him.
Thank you for the luck in the contest, and you are sweet with the french language, as well.
I am glad you enjoyed it. You know I am not sure if he was nominated before, but he is on the list of nominees for the '08 Class. But I am going to double check just to be sure.
Anytime during a player's career he is being debated as the best at his position (as was the case along side Jerry Rice) then he is should be a first ballot HOF guy. Nuff said.
Only 241 people total in 85 years of NFL football have made it into this group.
Thats less than 1 player per draft class if you go by today's draft standards(255)
Personally i think it should be expanded to allow more players in, because there are definately many players(several of Skins as well) that were better players than some current HOF members, but get passed over because the media(one from each city that has a team, and 2 from NY) decides who gets in. Almost all media people are known for bias towards larger markets or Superbowl teams.
The players themselves should decide who gets in. after all they are the ones that lined up opposite each other their whole careers.
Last edited by Texascudaguy on October 31st at 9:25 PM.
Yes sweety I did have a great Halloween. I hope you do as well.
Wow that is some slim pickens there. I do understand the whole media bias when it comes to Redskins players and many other teams getting in as well. But, Washington, the players that are up for nomination, are players from back in the 80' and 90's, (except for Darrell Green who played over three decades into this millennium). During those times we went to four Super Bowls and only lost one. Some really bad bias against Washington has been going on for a while now.
I absolutely agree that the players themselves should be the ones who have the votes on nominees. Thanks for a great comment with some really good information!
Ang- I've got a post up you will like. You are mentioned it in somewhere as well. Guest star sort of thing involving your Redskins and the Pats..It's funny though.
Back to the HOF, Green should be first ballot. I don't know why only so few defensive backs are in, but he's the definition of the position.
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I have been a Washington Redskins Fan all of my life. I come from four generations of "We bleed Burgundy and Gold" Redskins fanatics! I have three teenage sons who are following in this great tradition.
I also am a huge Cal Ripken fan. Congrats to his Hall of fame induction. I would rather go and see a baseball game in person, then watch it on TV. My oldest Son is doing his best to make his dream come true. He has played baseball his whole life, and is being scouted now.
I live in Virginia Beach, Va. I am a native, not a tourist. I work for Canon USA and I love every minute of it! I believe you should Love life, and Live for Redskins Football! HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
These men are some of the finest football players to ever play in the National Football League, and many of them should have been inducted long before now. The most recognized case of being overlooked is that of Wide Receiver Art Monk. 
