Art Monk (81) and Darryl Green (28) Enter the Hall of Fame

In fist-pumping vindication to the class, humility, and professionalism that seems so lacking in today's sports world, two of the classiest, most humble and professional figures in sport were inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio today: Art Monk and Darryl Green.

Monk, the quiet, dependable receiver from the glory days of the 80's Redskins, who made his living making all the tough, clutch catches going over the middle, had to wait almost ten years for this moment. For Skins fans like myself, every year Monk was denied enshrinement was like a knife in the throat (Steelers fans had to feel the same way when Lynn Swann was over-looked repeated times before his eventual trip to canton). No one who lived in D.C. during the 80s, who watched Art Monk, week after week, make clutch catch after catch will ever understand the thinking of the sports writers that denied him for so long. It just seemed SO wrong. Justice has finally been served and Art Monk is enshrined among the greats where he belongs.

Darryl Green is another story altogether. It was impossible to imagine he wouldn't get in the Hall of fame on his first year of eligibility. The undersized, ebullent, speedster drafted in '83, who went on to play an unbelievable TWENTY years for the Redskins (with the exception of one other, Jackie Slater, the longest tenure on one team for any position player). His speed - who can forget him in his rookie year coming from twenty yards back and across the field to catch Tony Dorsett from behind - and his sheer enthusiasm for the game and life in general made Green an instant favorite in Washington. His loyalty to the team after free agency began, when he had ample opportunity to chase the money and chose to remain a Redskin, earned him undying respect and adulation.

According to the Washington Post, more than 15,000 Redskin fans from all over the country invaded Canton for the induction ceremonies; turning them into what Michael Wilbon called a massive Redskins tailgate. In these days when snotty, self-absorbed, prima-donnas who have no values other than, "What have you done for me lately?" rule the sports scene, it's good to know that TRUE sportsmen can given the accolades they so richly deserve.