Anthony Muñoz facts for kids
Muñoz in 2015
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| No. 78 | |||||||
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| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||||
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| Born: | August 19, 1958 Ontario, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 278 lb (126 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Chaffey (Ontario, California) |
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| College: | USC (1976–1979) | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1980 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3 | ||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Anthony Muñoz (born August 19, 1958) is a famous American former football player. He played as an offensive tackle for 13 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). He also played college football for the USC Trojans. Many experts, like an ESPN panel in 2022, consider Muñoz the greatest offensive tackle in NFL history. He was added to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Becoming a Football Star: Early Life & College
Anthony Muñoz grew up in Ontario, California, and went to Chaffey High School. He was a talented athlete, playing college football at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1976 to 1979. He also played baseball for USC, even helping their team win a national championship in 1978.
Playing Through Injuries at USC
The Trojans football team was very successful during Muñoz's time there. They won a bowl game in all four of his seasons. This included three wins in the famous Rose Bowl. However, Muñoz faced challenges with injuries. He missed parts of his freshman and junior seasons due to these injuries. This meant he couldn't play in the Rose Bowl wins during those years.
In his final college year, Muñoz tore knee ligaments in the first game. He missed almost the entire season. But he worked hard to return for the 1980 Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. USC played against the undefeated Ohio State University and won 17–16. Muñoz insisted on playing, saying he couldn't miss that experience with his teammates. His coach, John Robinson, called it "one of the greatest things I've ever seen happen."
Playing in the NFL: Professional Career
Joining the Cincinnati Bengals
In the 1980 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals chose Anthony Muñoz as the third overall pick. Many people thought this was a big risk. Muñoz had knee problems that limited him to only 16 games in his last two college seasons.
Despite these worries, Muñoz became a starter in his first year. He played as the left tackle for the Bengals for 13 seasons. He is now known as one of the best offensive linemen ever in the NFL. Even with his injury history, Muñoz missed only three games in his first 12 seasons. He stayed in great shape by working out daily, including running several miles.
Muñoz was not only a great blocker but also a good receiver. He caught seven passes for 18 yards and scored four touchdowns. These touchdowns came from special plays where he was allowed to catch the ball.
During his time with the Bengals, Muñoz played in two Super Bowls. These were Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XXIII. Both games were very close losses to the San Francisco 49ers.
Moving to Tampa Bay and Retirement
After the 1992 season, Muñoz struggled with knee and shoulder injuries. He tried to play a 14th season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he was released before the season began. Soon after, he decided to retire from football.
Anthony Muñoz's Amazing Legacy
Muñoz earned many awards during his career. He was named Offensive Lineman of the Year multiple times by different groups. At the time he retired, his 11 Pro Bowl selections were tied for the most ever by an offensive lineman. This also set a new record for the Bengals team.
In 1994, Muñoz was chosen for the National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. This team honored the best players from the NFL's first 75 years. In 1999, Sporting News ranked him #17 on their list of the 100 greatest football players. He was the highest-ranked offensive lineman on that list. In 2010, the NFL Network also ranked him #12 on their "NFL's Greatest Players" list. Again, he was the highest-ranked offensive lineman.
In 1998, Muñoz was honored by being added to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was the first player whose entire NFL career was with the Cincinnati Bengals to receive this honor. His hometown of Ontario, California, even renamed a park "Anthony Muñoz Hall of Fame Park" to celebrate him.
In 2021, Muñoz became a member of the Bengals' first-ever Ring of Honor class. The Bengals have not given his number 78 to any other player since he left the team.
Beyond the Field: Movies & TV
Anthony Muñoz also appeared in two movies. He was in Borderline (1980) and The Right Stuff (1983). The Right Stuff was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
From 1994 to 1995, Muñoz worked as a color commentator for NFL games on Fox Sports. He has also been a commentator for Bengals' preseason games for many years.
After Football: Post-NFL Career
Since 1992, Muñoz has appeared in commercials for a furniture store in the Cincinnati area.
In 2002, he started the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. This foundation helps young people in the area. It encourages them to grow "mentally, physically and spiritually." Muñoz also helps choose the winner of the Walter Payton Award, which honors NFL players for their community work. He has received awards for his contributions to the Hispanic community.
Muñoz attended a special flag-football game at Candlestick Park in 2014. This was the last event before the stadium was torn down. He shared how amazing it was to see legendary players like Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott there.
Personal Life
Anthony Muñoz is of Mexican–American descent. His family comes from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. He met his wife at USC and they got married in 1978. They have two children. His son, Michael, played offensive lineman in college and professionally. His daughter, Michelle, played college basketball.
Muñoz is a Christian. He has said that his faith is the most important thing in his life.
