Monk's New Start, in Jet Green

HEMPSTEAD, New York -- Art Monk has heard the whispers, the ones about how his speed has diminished and his skills have eroded. Well, the 36-year-old wide receiver offered a response: None of it is true."I think a lot of my skills are still there," the newest New York Jet said in a rare interview on Tuesday. "There's a question about my speed, but I'm still running the same speed as I was eight, nine, 10 years ago. I don't think much has been lost."Monk, who signed a one-year contract with the Jets, made his debut at Hofstra University, participating in the team's five-day passing camp. The former Washington Redskins star in green? It was a weird sight, but there he was, in his familiar No. 81, running pass patterns. After 14 seasons in Redskins burgundy, followed by two months in the colorless world of free-agent limbo, Monk was starting a new job.The NFL's all-time leading receiver felt nervous and excited, almost like a late-round draft pick trying to impress the coaches. Yes, even future Hall of Famers get first-day jitters. For Monk, whose illustrious career in Washington ended on bitter terms, it was a terrific feeling. He felt wanted, which wasn't the case with the Redskins."It was a change I think I needed," the soft-spoken Monk told a small group of reporters in his first media session since last July. It's "a new start for me, coming back home, being part of a team I know will do well this year.""They needed me, they wanted me and they're going to use me," the White Plains, New York native said. "Whether I make the team or not, that's up to me, but (the Jets) got across to me that they really wanted me here, and really needed me."I had a lot of great years in Washington, but the last two or three years, the relationship started to deteriorate."Monk's resume is impeccable, but the big question is, how much does he have left? Monk keeps himself in great shape -- his offseason work habits are almost legendary -- but there comes a point when Father Time wins the battle. Monk, who probably will start opposite Rob Moore, doesn't see that happening anytime soon. He wants to play two more seasons. He certainly made a strong impression on his new teammates."He really is smooth," quarterback Boomer Esiason said. "Our young receivers are going to learn a lot from him."