Canton, OH (Best E Casino) - Former Washington Redskins stars Darrell Green and Art Monk were among six new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame formally inducted on Saturday.

Green and Monk were joined in the Class of 2008 by Fred Dean, Emmitt Thomas, Andre Tippett and Gary Zimmerman.

Green, selected in his first year of eligibility, spent 20 seasons as a defensive back with the Redskins after the club selected him with the 28th overall pick of the 1983 NFL Draft. He holds the NFL record with at least one interception in 19 consecutive seasons and totaled 54 interceptions.

"I belong here. I belong here because I know what to do with it," Green said. "To the most football knowledgeable faithful most caring folks in the world the Redskins faithful, our fans. We share this day with all of you. Here and all over the world, back home and everywhere else. God bless you. Thank you."

A member of the All-Decade Team for the 1990s, Green was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-Pro selection. He was also an accomplished punt returner and played for Super Bowl championship teams after the 1987 and 1991 seasons.

Monk starred as a wide receiver as part of those two Super Bowl teams, and was a member of the 1982 title squad in Washington. He was a first-round pick out of Syracuse in 1980 and spent 14 of his 16 NFL seasons with the Redskins, finishing his career with the New York Jets in 1994 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.

Considered among the first of the big, strong receivers, the 6-foot-3 Monk finished his career with 940 catches and set a then-NFL record for catches in a season with 106 in 1984. He was a three-time Pro Bowl pick.

"(Being inducted into the Hall of Fame) is truly an honor and an awesome moment in my life," Monk said. "But as great an honor as this is, it's not what really defines who I am or what I've been able to accomplish in my life."

Dean was a pass-rushing specialist with the San Diego Chargers from 1975-81 and with the San Francisco 49ers from 1981-85. Sacks did not become an official statistic until 1982, but he totaled near 100 had a career-best 17 1/2 in 1983. A two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection, Dean was also a member of Super Bowl-winning teams with the 49ers after the 1981 and 1984 seasons.

Thomas, a finalist from the seniors' committee, starred as a cornerback with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1966-78. He ranks ninth all-time in with 58 interceptions, and was a key contributor to a feared Kansas City defense that helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV after the 1969 season.

"Since learning that I have become a member of the most prestigious club of pro football, my emotions are overwhelmed. I am truly humbled," said Thomas. "But perhaps the most important reason I'm here, I played the game with a lot of respect, honor that the game so very much deserved, from everyone who has ever had the privilege of strapping on a shoulder pad or buckling up a chin strap."

Tippett, a linebacker from 1982-93 with the New England Patriots, was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s and finished his career with 100 sacks. He was a five-time Pro Bowl pick from 1985-89 and helped the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance after the 1985 season when he led the AFC with 16 1/2 sacks.

"I shall cherish this moment for the rest of my life," said Tippett. "I can't wait to return every year. I can't believe I'm joining this fraternity."

Zimmerman spent 12 seasons as an offensive tackle with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. After playing his first two pro seasons in the USFL, he joined the Vikings for the 1986 season and played seven years with Minnesota before being traded to Denver prior to the 1993 campaign. He was a member of two All-Decade Teams, earning spots for the 1980s and 1990s, and was selected for seven Pro Bowls.

"Making it here today I feel more humbled and blessed than ever before in my life," Zimmerman said. "I stand before you a proud and gracious man. I am extremely honored to be the 247th member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

The six new members increased the number of Canton enshrinees to 247.