Anthony Munoz now has his rightful place in the NFL's Hall of Fame and his 17-year-old son, Michael, all but nominated him for another honor Saturday.

It became clear to anyone who heard Michael's touching introduction of his dad that Anthony Munoz belongs in a father's Hall of Fame, too.

The Hall of Fame induction - which was televised on ESPN2 - showed the rest of the country what the Inland Valley has known for years.

You'd have to look awfully hard to find a better person than Anthony Munoz.

The proof is in his friends, several of whom, including Upland High School baseball coach Mike Alonzo, made the trip to Canton, Ohio.

The proof is in his teammates, several of whom were on hand for Munoz's big day.

The proof is in his family, which helped make his induction a day he certainly will never forget, not just because of the football memories, but also because of the poignant speech made by his proud son.

The perseverance after three knee surgeries in four years at USC, the first-round draft selection by the Cincinnati Bengals and the 11 Pro Bowls stamped Munoz as one of the best offensive linemen to ever play.

Michael's speech Saturday eloquently demonstrated that Munoz did much more than play football better than everybody else at his position.

It showed he spent a lot of time making sure he was an exceptional parent, too.

"You taught me to let my actions speak louder than words," Michael Munoz said.

This was an updated version of "Father Knows Best."

Michael talked at length about how his father was such a good role model. He said his father taught him how to say he was sorry if he was wrong. He said his father showed him how to respect women by the way he treated his mother. He said his father was his mentor, showing him how to be humble and polite to others.

Anthony Munoz, whose father was not around when he grew up, made certain that his two children - daughter Michelle is 19 months younger than Michael - would have strong parental support.

This, as much as his football prowess, will be his legacy, thanks in part to his son's speech and in part to his own.

As great as his exploits on the football field were, it was fitting that the opening part of Munoz's acceptance speech wasn't about his playing days.

It was about the births of his two children. It was about his wife, DeDe. It was about the impact his mother, Esther, had on him.

You hear people talk about "family values" all the time.

Unfortunately, it's usually followed by reports about wife beatings, drug or alcohol abuse or some other kind of crime.

It was refreshing to see someone like Munoz - an honest man who genuinely cares for others - honored like he was on Saturday.

"I look at how God sculpted this person and allowed me to be the person I am," Munoz said. "That's what I'm thankful for."

Munoz was quick to point out that you reach the pinnacle of your career because of a broad base of people. He wasn't about to take all the credit for his brilliant career.

That started with his mother. It followed with former Chaffey coach Jim Semon, who, Munoz said, encouraged him to play baseball as a 6-year-old in Ontario. It continued with Alonzo, who, as an assistant coach with Chaffey, gave Munoz a kick in the pants and told him a poor grade in a class would keep him out of baseball.

The result was a young man who graduated from Chaffey and who was determined enough to overcome three knee operations in four years at USC and achieve his goal of being a professional athlete.

"Let people see your humility," Munoz said Saturday.

He did precisely that.

To those who watched the Hall of Fame ceremonies, Munoz's induction was uplifting.

It honored an athlete who set the standard for offensive lineman.

It also honored an athlete who excelled at his job, but put the emphasis on family.

That, Anthony Munoz would tell you in a second, has been his biggest accomplishment.