Tell Art Monk How You Feel About Him (Mods - Sticky?)

[Diss]

In putting together the Monk video, I was given an address of Art's and I sent him a copy of the DVD to that address, which I know he received.

I thought it would be great if I could send him comments from those of you/us who still remember him, love him and will never forget what he did or what he meant to us.

So, if you have something you always wanted to say to Art, put it here. After a week or so, I will print out all the responses and mail them to Art. I can pretty much guarantee that he will read them.

Please only post once and keep the comments directed to Monk only. In other words, no responses to each other if you don't mind. Will just make it a lot easier for me to read. Not to mention Art, of course!

So tell this great man that he is NOT forgotten and never will be!

[HailSkinz1]

Art, continue to be the classy guy you've always been. All Redskins fans and any football fan knows you are a Hall of Famer. We are all very proud to have cheered for you for so many years, and we will continue to do so until justice is served by the Hall of Fame voters.

Hail,

H

[TD Riggo]

Art,

Everyone except a couple of HoF voters with an anti-Redskins vendetta knows that you belong in the Hall! I know that you WILL be there someday soon. In the meantime, KNOW that Redskins Nation, and I might add a lot of Cowboys fans, and fans of the NFL know that you are one of the elite, few NFL receivers who changed the game forever. We haven't forgotten -- and we won't forget -- your selfless contribution to the Greatest Redskins team!

[H-O-G]

Art,

You deserve the Hall of Fame. You have the support of every Redskins fan,

Best of luck in 2008.

-Zak

[Isifhan]

Art,

Your play is one of my fondest memories growing up. You along with coach Gibbs were the catalyst for my life long love of the Redskins and you brought, and continue to bring unimaginable amounts of happiness when I see the film and remember the games you dominated. Please know you are indeed a hall of famer in any Redskin fans eyes. While the hall may induct persons with quesionable moral integrity I can show my nephews and future children what a true Hall of Famer is by proudly pointing to you, your accomplishments and how you conducted yourself both on and off the field. Thank you for everything you gave to the sport and the Redskin fans over the years.

[bschurm]

Thank you !

[redskin faithful]

Art thanx for the great memories! Growing up watching you play is what made me a Redskins fan. Its not obvious just to the Redskins fans but NFL fans period that you deserved to be in Canton. Its just sad that the board can't get there mess together. You are what helped to make this organization what it is today. Well I can't say it enough thanx for the great memories.
Hail To Art Monk!

[Canadian Hog]

Art,

You are the definition of what it always has and always will mean to be a TRUE Redskin.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving everything you had to our beloved team, the Washington Redskins.

Many will agree that the Washington Redskins are one of the most storied and legendary franchises in sports. Why? Very simply put, because of classy people like you who put forth the commitment, dedication, and energy needed to be a champion both on the field and in life.

[PogoJr]

Art,

Thank you for being a Redskin and representing the Redskins with so much class. Thank you for all the wonderful memories I have of watching you play and watching the Redskins win. You are one of my favorite Redskins. You belong in the Hall of Fame and I know in the hearts of Redskins fans everywhere, you have been there all along. God bless you and your family.

[cozmikbuffalo]

John Arthur Monk sir ,

I grew up in a very large family in Siver Spring Md. area and every Sunday all of my extended family would meet at our Grandparents house in NW Washington D.C. off of River Road on Fesseden st. Where my Grandmother would prepare a table full of incredible food for eveyone to be cured of any hunger . There were candy dishes throughout their lovely home full of candy and lot's of love to go around too .

My Grandfather was a gentle giant of a man whom I never saw raise his voice in anger , he was not judgemental and was well respected throughout the D.C. area . The name that we all and his friends all referred to him lovingly as "The Senator" though he did not hold elected office . He carried himself with dignity and honor , was patient and loved everyone in the family the same way . Clearly he was a profound influence on me and my siblings , cousins etc ..

He was 2nd generation immigrant from Ireland and he worked hard a built himself a very successful plumbing , circulated heating business and found fortune enough to make his family comfortable and he was generous with his blessings to everyone in his and my Grandmothers circle . Showing by example to us children it is better to give than recieve . He and my Grandmother were very dedicated to their faith and went every Sunday to church at St. Anns .

It is obvious that I am proud of He and my Grandmother !!

The thing that we all cherished and looked forward to each and every week was the upcoming Redskin game upstairs in the "Room" where we all had our places that emminated in orbit around my "PopPops chair" first there were all the uncles , then the oldest boys etc ... It was not exclusively men , but nobody could talk unless it was between plays or commercial or halftime . And we would all disscuss and debate the issues or try to make the next call or who would get the next ball . This was the George Allen Days and "The over the Hill Gang" .

It was a magical time in my life and one that I could live every day and never get tired of it . In other words it was paradise to me , pure heaven !!! In fact I hope that heaven has this "Room" there and I earn the right to go back there one day . But only if I work , hard , treat people with respect and dignity , do my very best and be humble and graceful to others .

I played football from 8 years old to 18 and was on CCR teams until high school . I played for St.Catherine Laboure' in Wheaton I was about 160-175 and ended playing mostly as a TE RT and CB DL as we played both ways . Oh I also returned punts and kickoffs . I wasn't that good really , but , I loved to play and my team enjoyed the fruits of hard work and talented players (not me ) to win 4 or 5 out of 10 championships during that time period . The coaches all pointed to Redskins like Chris Hanburger and Len Hauss as examples of greatness . My grandfather attended every game. I had a interception return for a touchdown once and that was my highlight . My Grandfather was so proud . And he was there rain or shine standing there up on the hill with his hat on . I didn't even have to look I knew he was there .

I said all that to say this Art . My Grandfathers favorite player was you , he couldn't get enough or say enough good things about you . He would point to you as an example to the rest of us as the right way to carry oneself in the world . That you were proof that if you work hard and play fair you will be a winner . I am so grateful that I was 21 when you were drafted so I could be in that "Room" with all the male members of that side of my immeadiate family to share those golden Redskins days with you the most influencial yet most humble example of greatness , grace , speed , power , toughness , intelligence and durability there was on any of those teams .

Now , I am a 49 year old disabled Union Electrician living in San Jose california and I have been in the battle of my life the last 5 years and since I can't work anymore and don't get around very well . My quality of life has declined steadily in these past 5 years and without much of a purpose to drive and focus my attention I have up until Saturday begun to question my very exsitence because of this very dark and deep place that I now find myself . It became easier and easier to tell my self that it was pointless to try to get better because it hurts too bad to walk as much as 100 ft. So , getting back into shape was not ever going to a possiblity .

Well , Saturday when you were denied what you should have already gotten 7 years ago I found my cause again and feel re-energized it's almost magical . My friends and family have really noticed a distinct transformation " I'm back " as they say .

And it's because you have always been an inspirtation to me , the example of how a man should live his life among others , to lead by example and do it with humility and dignity . Now , I have reason to get better , to fight through the pain and recover my health as best as I can so that I can head up the effort that I along with another fan on this forum have suggested , one that I have already contacted the PR office of the Redskins about . I am waiting for their response now to the e-mail I sent 2 days ago for their approval and possibly some support too .

I have contacted other members who have access to other players like Charles Mann and Chris Hanburger so far and now hopefully I can get your approval to do this as well . This as I see it is the chance to fight as hard for you as you always fought for the fans of D.C. , the team , your teammates and the city . I believe that we the fans have a chance to make history in an orderly , diplomatic and intelligent way that will not fade away and will not be overlooked , that will be impossible to do . This was not my idea it was member TMK9973's but I volunteered to head it up and we are now partnered in it . I have started a thread and have had good response and promises of financial or any thing needed to make this a reality .

This will be something that will part of Football history . It will show up any time someone googles the HOF and it will be a professional expose' on the process , the influences and the arguments as to how it can be justified that you aren't in the HOF and further more why of all the SB teams that the Redskins produced only Joe Gibbs and John Riggins have been honored to date . There is clearly a bias at work here and the HOF will never be a legitimate institution as long as you aren't in there along with many others from this storied franchise rich with great players and great moments in Football legend . I pledge and promise to you right now that we won't let you down this time Art . I'm sorry it's taken the fans this long to stand up for you really . But we were taught by you to be patient and accept things humbly .

Let us work for you on this one Art it will be our supreme pleasure.

Cozmikbuffalo

[G1]

Mr Monk,

I grew up in England watching you play in the 1980's. You were an inspiration because you showed class, character and skill. Above all this, everything I saw and read about you said you were a great person.

Everybody knows your playing acheivements merit recognition by entry into the hall of fame. You should've been enshrined immediatley.

Your continued dignity year after year does you great credit. The voting panel's decision to merit people with less class, skill and acheivements than yours does them no credit.

I continue to wear number 81 and will continue to do so.

Although I remain incenssed each year they fail to elect you as my anger dissapates I realise it matters not. Your coach, your team-mates, your contemporaries and your army of fans, even those of us overseas, realise you are a genuine hall of famer.

Gareth, England.

[Rocky21]

Cozmikbuffalo's post should be required reading for every voter for the Pro Football HOF.

[Henry]

#81,

You're a Hall of Famer in my book.

[Xameil]

Art,

Thank you for all the memories, I remember so many of your record breakers, and the cheers from my fellow Redskin fan in the area and i when you broke a few of those. No matter what the media thinks about your accomplishments, you will ALWAYS be a HOFer to us the ones who have watched you and cheered for you. We will continue to cheer for you whenever your name is mentioned.

[skeenzfan]

Mr. Monk,

You showed us all how the game is supposed to be played and i wish more WR's in this league today could follow your example. Someday when i coach my kids i will site you as an example of how the game should be played.

Good luck for Canton in 2008!