Finishing Line

Who wouldn’t adore a guy whose most devoted fans don purple robes and dub themselves Monk’s Monks? For the Redskins’ Art Monk, who has become the N.F.L.’s all-time leading receiver, pass catching has for 13 seasons been a Sunday sacrament of sorts, signifying his grace and steady devotion to his craft. Usually cloistered within his thoughts, Monk, 35, opened up a bit after reeling in the record-setting 820th against the Broncos. “I feel blessed,” he admitted ” — and glad it’s over.” So was his quarterback, Mark Rypien, who tossed his pal Monk three straight passes.