Former professional football player Art Monk is alive and well, despite recent rumors circulating on social media regarding his death. These false reports began on November 27, 2025, when users shared posts expressing their condolences for the iconic athlete.
The confusion intensified when Monk”s Wikipedia page was altered to include a death date of November 27, 2025. However, his wife, Desiree Monk, swiftly addressed the situation by sharing a screenshot of the edited Wikipedia page on her Instagram story, confirming that the rumors were untrue.
Former NFL star Brian Mitchell also chimed in by sharing Desiree”s post on Facebook, further clarifying Monk”s status. Earlier this month, Monk was present at the retirement ceremony for his No. 81 jersey by the Washington Commanders. Although the team suffered a 38-14 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks on November 2, the event was a significant tribute to Monk”s legacy.
During the ceremony, Monk appeared to be in good health and high spirits, dispelling any doubts about the validity of the rumors. Over his 14-year career with the Washington Commanders, Monk recorded 940 receptions, amassed 12,721 yards, and scored 68 touchdowns, making him one of the most celebrated players in NFL history.
Upon retiring in 1995, Monk held the record for all-time receptions in the NFL. The decision to retire his jersey was announced earlier this year, and Monk expressed his gratitude in an interview with WUSA9, stating how much the honor meant to him.
Monk originally wore number 45 while playing for Syracuse in college but was given the number 81 when he joined the Commanders, a number he embraced without hesitation. Additionally, Syracuse University has also decided to retire Monk”s jersey, with a ceremony scheduled for November 29, 2025; however, it has now been postponed to the 2026 season due to scheduling conflicts.
As fans continue to celebrate Monk”s remarkable career, the recent rumors serve as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.
