Art Monk spoke for 10 minutes — non-stop. If Monk was placed before a firing squad during his career and told he lived only as long as he talked, the receiver wouldn’t have gone 10 minutes. Darrell Green spoke for more than 10 minutes, which if he hadn’t also would have been a personal record. He razzed quite a few people, including Redskins owner Dan Snyder.
And Gary Clark stepped from the rear of the auditorium — filled with 15 former players, staffers and family — to summate why his two former teammates, the two newest Hall of Famers, are among the franchise’s more beloved players. Then Clark nearly turned the Tuesday news conference into a roast.
It was another flashback to when the Redskins were such a great team. Filled with three Super Bowls, countless great players, classy people and the feeling that Redskins Park was a second home to those inside. A time that continues to be relished despite fading ever further with the recent second retirement of coach Joe Gibbs.
Monk and Green enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in July and it’s only fitting they do so together. It was too bad Monk had to wait seven years, but it seems perfect the tandem is inducted together. They’ll join JohnRiggins and Gibbs in Canton as reminders of that golden era as the team’s last likely Hall of Famers until someone not yet wearing the burgundy and gold comes to Washington to earn it.
Just seeing everyone from the old days rekindled why this was such a special place. The last 16 seasons haven’t been too kind to the Redskins. A good player here and there, a playoff season now and then, but nothing like 1982-91 when Washington ruled the NFL.
Monk was always quiet in the locker room. Forget that he rarely talked to the media. There were teammates that wouldn’t recognize his voice. Monk’s overdue election to the Hall of Fame caused reflection, which turned to gratitude and more words than anyone could remember from him.
“It’s been a little bit overwhelming,” he said. “It’s more than just a title now. It’s humbling.”
Green played the toastmaster role. President Bush called the cornerback on Monday to congratulate him. Green asked, “How did you get my cell phone?”
Recalling Dexter Manley, now seated three rows away, remarking “They drafted this little guy?” in the first round of the 1983 draft, Green teased: “How do you like me now?”
Green and Monk never left Washington after their careers. They attend the same nearby church, created charities and repaid what they believe was far-too-generous affection by the fans.
“We are definitely overpaid with kindness, love,” Green said.
No, you get what you give. Monk and Green made Sundays worth watching for Redskins fans. The public has never forgotten it. Not in the few years since they’ve retired. Not for many more to come.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
