[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING ART MONK AND DARRELL GREEN UPON THEIR INDUCTION INTO THE 
   PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME AND COMMENDING THEM FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY 
                           COMMUNITY SERVICE

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate two of the Nation's 
beloved icons of professional athletics. On the same day, Art Monk and 
Darrell Green were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To say 
that Washingtonians and regional residents are serious about their 
football would be a classic understatement. This region's strong 
tradition and love of football owes much to Art Monk and Darrell Green. 
Along with the Nation, we love and respect them not only for their 
world class excellence as athletes, but for the way they played the 
game. Both men are revered, not only as athletic greats, but because of 
their work out of the limelight.
  Art Monk was a wide receiver drafted in the first round by the 
Washington football team, the Redskins, in 1980. Monk's quickness and 
strength despite his size made him a top notch wide receiver. He wasted 
no time distinguishing himself, even in his first season, setting a 
team rookie record with 58 receptions and becoming a unanimous all-
rookie selection. For nine seasons throughout his 16-season career, 14 
of which he spent with Washington, Art Monk had 50 or more receptions. 
Monk became the first receiver for our home team to produce three 
consecutive 1,000 yard seasons, going on to have five 1,000 yard 
seasons in his career. Monk set the then league record for catches in a 
season with 106 catches, the most consecutive games, with at least one 
reception with 164 games, and the most career receptions with 820. 
Along the way, he also became the first Washington team player to catch 
70 or more passes in three consecutive seasons, finishing his career 
with 940 catches. Monk was twice named All-Pro and All-NFC, selected 
three times to play in the Pro Bowl. He was a major part of the 
Redskins' dominance in the 1980s, and boasts three Super Bowl 
victories.
  Darrell Green, an All-Pro cornerback, was one of the greatest 
cornerbacks of all time. Over his 20-season career with the Washington 
football team, Green set many standards. He was a first-round draft 
pick in 1983 and made an immediate impact, scoring the very first time 
he touched the football on a 61-yard punt return in a preseason game, 
starting in all 16 regular season games, and being honored as runner-up 
for the Associated Press NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Known for his 
great speed, Green achieved a high level of success as a cornerback, 
recording an interception in a record 19 straight seasons, a career-
best of five interceptions in each of three seasons, and a club record 
54 interceptions, which translated into 621 yards and six touchdowns. 
Green was also a formidable punt returner, averaging nearly 12 yards a 
return as he recorded 51 career returns for 611 yards, in addition to 
the team record longest fumble return of 78 yards. Darrell Green is a 
member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s, boasts two of the 
team's Super Bowl victories, was named All-Pro four times and was voted 
to seven Pro Bowls.
  Beyond their star-quality football careers, I have come to know both 
men as exemplary citizens through their excellent work in the 
community. Art Monk helped found The Good Samaritan Foundation on MLK 
Avenue, SE with his Redskins teammates Charles Mann, Tim Johnson and 
Earnest Byner to ``Prepare Youth for Leadership in the Community and 
the Workplace.'' Their center for youth most in need of service is 
under construction in the city's lowest income ward. He has also lent 
his expertise and testimony to my own Commission on Black Men and Boys. 
Darrell Green started the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation that 
helps youth to maximize their own potentials, focusing on four core 
principles: values, education, home, and community.
  Art Monk and Darrell Green have led exemplary lives as men and as 
athletes. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating both of 
these role models for reaching the height of their professional careers 
by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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