Syracuse football: Art Monk’s jersey set for Orange retirement

The College and Pro Football Hall of Famer enters the rafters of the Dome

Syracuse Orange Athletics announced on Tuesday that Art Monk would be the latest former Orange football player to have his jersey retired. His jersey will enter the JMA Wireless Dome rafters on November 29 when Syracuse football ends the regular season against Boston College.

Monk played at Syracuse from 1976 to 1979. His 3,899 all-purpose yards ranked second in school history at the time of his departure from the Orange, trailing only Floyd Little. That mark is still good for seventh all time. Monk remains the only Orange player to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards for three straight seasons, which he did in his final three years.

The Orange jersey retirement will culminate an eventful month for Monk. He will also be honored by the Washington Commanders on November 2 where his jersey will also be retired. Monk was selected 18th overall by Washington in the 1980 NFL Draft. He played 14 of his 16 seasons in the pros with the team, winning three Super Bowls. Monk is Washington’s all-time leading receiver.

He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Monk is one of five Orange players to be elected to both Hall of Fames alongside Jim Brown, Floyd Little, Larry Csonka and Dwight Freeney.

The 44 jersey of Brown and Little is already in the Dome rafter alongside Csonka’s 39 and Freeney’s 54, which was retired last season. Monk’s 45 Syracuse jersey will be the eighth individual one hung in the Dome, joining Tim Green’s 72, John Mackey’s 88, Donovan McNabb’s 5, Don McPherson’s 9 and Joe Morris’ 47.

Syracuse’s season in 2025 will kick off in Atlanta on August 31 when the Orange take on Tennessee. Syracuse’s home opener is on September 6 against UConn.