Top 30 NFL players of the 1980s

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1980s

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game September 30, 1990 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Taylor played for the Giants from 1981-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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Washington Redskins wide receiver Art Monk (81) catches a 31-yard touchdown pass during the NFC Divisional Playoff, a 28-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 12, 1991, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kevin Reece/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

29. Art Monk

Art Monk was the go-to receiver for the Washington Football Team for over a decade, which is an incredibly hard feat to pull off. It didn’t matter who was throwing him the ball, Monk helped Washington win three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks.

Throughout the 1980s, Monk was a three-time Pro Bowler, and also earned one All-Pro selection. His best season came in 1984. Monk led the NFL in receptions with 106. Along with that, he had almost 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. Monk had another great year in 1985, hauling in 91 catches for over 1,200 yards and earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

Monk was a model of consistency throughout the decade. He had four seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving, and was always the best receiver on Washington’s roster.

He finished his career with 940 catches for over 12,000 yards and 68 touchdowns, and was an integral part of three Super Bowl teams throughout his career. Monk is a member of the 1980s All-Decade team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

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