Anthony Munoz (NFL)
Bio
Considered by many as the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, Anthony Muñoz has a record of excellence that is unrivaled in Professional Football. An eleven-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, Muñoz is the only Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in Cincinnati Bengals history. Since retiring, Anthony and his family have remained in Cincinnati, where Muñoz has served as one of the community’s most accessible and involved advocates.
Despite his skill and brilliant performance, Muñoz, a native of Ontario, California, battled multiple injuries while attending the University of Southern California. His faith, family and sheer will helped him overcome the setbacks. His diligent workout routine and commitment to fitness paved the way for a remarkable professional career in which he missed just three games in his first 11 years in the NFL.
Anthony was selected by the Bengals as the third overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, and instantly became one of the league’s premiere lineman. He led the team to two Super Bowls, three AFC Central Division titles and two AFC Championships (1981 and 1988). Anthony was selected to play in eleven consecutive Pro Bowl games (1981-199), is a member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. For his work in the community, he was honored as the NFL Man of the Year in 1991.
Following his retirement, Muñoz received the ultimate honor for an athlete. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first attempt on the ballot. In August of 1998, Muñoz was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He selected his son, Michael, to introduce him at the induction ceremonies.
In 2002, Anthony established the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, a non-profit organization that engages the Tri-State region to impact area youth mentally, physically and spiritually. Since its inception, the foundation has impacted thousands of children and raised more than $8,000,000 for its eight regional programs.
A devoted husband and father, Anthony and his wife, Dede, are the proud parents of Michael (wife Emily) and Michelle (husband Luke Trenz) as well as the very happy grandparents of 4 boys!