January 25, 1998
Munoz elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
By Louis Brewster

"As it got closer to 11:30 a.m., I could feel my heart beating," said the Ontario native, using hand motions over his chest to demonstrate his point. "I had no expectations. Just to be among the finalists was great in itself."

At 11:30 January 24^th, the Chaffey High School graduate was among five players announced as the Class of 1998 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Munoz will be inducted August 1^st along with Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary, Miami Dolphins center Dwight Stephenson, Minnesota Vikings safety Paul Krause and Receiver Tommy McDonald, a seniors committee selection.

"It's unbelievable, it's really overwhelming," said Munoz, who quickly called wife DeDe back in Cincinnati with the news. He was then hustled to the podium at the Marriott marina to face the press.

"When I got to the podium, it hit me," said the 39-year-old Munoz. "I had to wait a couple of minutes before I could continue. It hit me all at once.

"There have been thousands and thousands who have played in the NFL and there are just 189 (now 194) in the Hall of Fame. And only 45 of those guys made it in their first year. It was a little hard to get things rolling."

Munoz and Singletary were both selected in their first-year of eligibility.

The honor reflects the respect Munoz gained as an indestructible offensive lineman for Cincinnati. He played 185 games at tackle missing just three games to injury, and was elected to 11 consecutive Pro Bowls.

Additionally, Munoz was a three-time selection as NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year and was also placed on the league's 75^th anniversary team in 1994.

Throughout his career at left tackle, Munoz anchored the line that protected quarterbacks Ken Anderson (another finalist for the Hall) and later, Boomer Esiason. He was among the biggest linemen of this time, standing 6-foot-6, 280 pounds.

"That was big then, but now, I would be asked to get some weight on," he said.

Munoz listed LeRoy Selmon, Fred Dean, Bruce Smith, Howie Long, Broderick Thomas and Lawrence Taylor as some of the toughest defensive players he faced in his career.

Munoz also scored four touchdowns in his career, an often-overlooked statistic. He caught seven passes from Esiason, four going for scored.

But coming into league, he was considered a risk after undergoing three knee operations in four years at USC, where he was selected an All-American in 1978 and 1979. On the podium, he remembered the man who took the chance on him.

"What a thrill for me now to be there (in the Hall of Fame) with Paul Brown," Munoz said. "It's a great thrill. I was part of that football team for a long time."

According to Munoz, there were two driving factors in his career.

"I was greatly influenced by my mother (Esther) and her work ethic," he said during a brief moment of relaxation after the announcement. "She raised us (a family of five) and worked very hard for us.

"Also, it was fear of failure. Once I was with the Bengals, I set a standard I wanted to accomplish. I carried that over, week-to-week, year-to-year. I think that's what drove me."

There were others who influenced his life. Munoz singled out Jim Semon and Mike Alonso, his Chaffey baseball coaches, and Jim McNally, his line coach throughout his entire NFL career.

"I respect both Mike and Coach Semon who I've known since I was 6 or 7." Said Munoz, who was greeted by Alonso soon after the announcement. "With Coach McNally, we started at the same time with the Bengals and we grew together." He played a very, very important role."

The fact Munoz first called his wife of 20 years also demonstrated his devotion to his family. He passed on a television offer this year after committing to coach junior varsity football at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, where 3-8, 270 son Michael made first team all-state.

DeDe Munoz did not accompany her husband in order to attend daughter Michelle's basketball games.

"He's very devoted to his family and children," said Alonso, who has maintained a close a close relationship with Munoz for more than 25 years. "I don't think you could find a person with a negative comment about him."

It is Munoz's persona off the field that many remember.

"Because he's such a great guy, family man and because he's a Christian, people remember that more about him than his ability to block," McNally said in an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer. "He's just a terrific guy, which, when you get right down to it, is the most important thing -- what kind of person you are.

"And he's the best."

Anthony Munoz is from the Chaffey High School class of 1976, and was 1991's Tiger of the Year.