Anthony Munoz charges into Pro Football Hall of Fame

Six feet six inches, 278 pounds, offensive tackle, great foot quickness, exceptional straight-on blocker, agile and strong. These accolades describe the football player Anthony Munoz. Born August 19, 1958, in Ontario, California, Munoz was actually too big to play Pop Warner football as a youth. So, he concentrated on baseball. It paid off, when in the 1978 season, he pitched for the University of Southern California's national championship team. But by that time, his size and talents were attracting the professional scouts in the world of football. A two-time All-America lineman for USC, Munoz was a first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals and the third player selected overall in the 1980 NFL draft. Some considered the pick a risk because of a knee injury that caused Anthony to play only eight games in his final two collegiate seasons. But Munoz quickly eased the Bengal's fears.

One of the game's premiere lineman

Munoz had the unique ability as a tackle to block quick defensive ends because of his combined strength and quickness. Many NFL observers claim him to be the premier tackle during his 13 pro seasons. He started 164 of 168 games from 1980-1990 and his stalwart play was the key to Cincinnati's three AFC Central Division titles and two AFC championships (1981 and 1988). The recipient of virtually every possible NFL honor, Anthony was elected to 11 consecutive Pro Bowls and was named all-pro 11 straight times from 1981 through 1991. He was named the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1981, 1987 and 1988, and the NFL Players Association Lineman of the Year in 1981, 1985, 1988 and 1989. His citation from the Alumni Association reads: "The NFL has three levels of offensive lineman. The bottom rung is for players aspiring to make the Pro Bowl. The next step is for those who have earned all-star status. Then there's Anthony Munoz. He's alone at the top, a sure Hall of Famer."

A tireless worker and man of conviction

Anthony's pro career always saw him in top notch condition. His rigorous workout routine included hours in a weight room installed in his home and running up to four miles each day. Setting high personal standards, Munoz worked tirelessly to achieve them.


Life Story