Art Monk

In Washington, Monk was a member of a tremendously successful team in the league's most competitive division. Although his production wasn't great in either game, Monk went to the Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1982 and 1983. Continuing his relentless training regiment, Monk was the league's top receiver by 1984. The Redskins' won the Super Bowl again in 1987 and Monk's popularity in the nation's capital began to swell. The team, however, was in decline and this and a lack of satisfaction in his personal performance drove Monk to take matters into his own hands the following season. "I just wasn't happy with the way my life was going," he said. "I had an empty feeling inside, like something was missing. I was always reaching for something to make me happy or feel good - cars and money and houses. But whatever it was out there, it wasn't doing it. I really struggled for a while." He began attending Bible studies with teammates and recommitted himself to the religion in which he was raised. The serenity he discovered helped him prioritize and rededicate himself to the team. A revitalized Monk then challenged his teammates to do the same. In 1990, after taking a more visible leadership role on the team, the Redskins' advanced into the playoffs. The following year they posted a 17-2 record and defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl.

Art Monk