Today's the day for Munoz
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SAN DIEGO - To many ex-Bengals, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's credibility is at stake more than Anthony Munoz's legitimacy as an all-time great.
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Munoz, widely regarded as the NFL's finest left tackle ever, can become the first Hall of Famer to spend most or all of his career with the Bengals when the shrine's 36 selectors choose this year's induction class today. Munoz earned 11 consecutive Pro Bowl berths in his 13-year Bengal career (1980-92) and was named to the league's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team four years ago.
Ken Anderson, who earned renown as Cincinnati's quarterback from 1971-86 and is now the team's offensive coordinator, joins Munoz among the 15 finalists. A minimum of four and a maximum of six may be chosen, not including Seniors nominee Tommy McDonald. Anderson, one of the most accurate and prolific passers of all time, was a finalist two years ago but wasn't elected.
Though only 24 percent of the Hall's 189 members gained election on their first try, nobody, it seems, can make a case against Munoz. ''If Anthony doesn't make it, there's something wrong with the whole concept of Hall of Fame,'' former Bengals coach Sam Wyche said.
''I'd never have any faith in the process again,'' said former Bengals lineman Dave Lapham, now the team's radio commentator. Munoz avoided dwelling on the election this week by helping conduct a camp for draft-eligible college offensive linemen in Phoenix.
''Doing the camp until Saturday morning might have been the best thing,'' Munoz joked. ''Everywhere I hang out, they're questioning me and talking about it.''
But Munoz himself resisted speculation.
''Really, I don't have any control over it,'' he said. ''I have no expectations. If I get the call, great. My whole philosophy is, if you worry or are anxious you kind of waste your energy.''
Anderson not only shares Munoz's lack of concern but also refuses to believe he has a serious chance of being elected.
''I'm not sure what the criteria are to get in,'' he said. ''You can make a case, statistic-wise, that you would get in. I guess you could make the case why you don't.''
Still, Anderson has his supporters.
''Kenny was probably the purest thrower I've ever seen,'' former Bengals wide receiver Cris Collinsworth said.
''I would hate to think he doesn't get there just because he played for a Cincinnati team rather than a New York or Washington or some of the other teams that seem to be more favored for consideration,'' Bengals President and General Manager Mike Brown said.
Other finalists are Rams and Redskins coach George Allen, Vikings defensive end Carl Eller, Vikings safety Paul Krause, Rams guard Tom Mack, Browns tight end Ozzie Newsome, Steelers owner Dan Rooney, Bears linebacker Mike Singletary, Dolphins center Dwight Stephenson, Vikings offensive tackle Ron Yary, Rams defensive end Jack Youngblood and Steelers wide receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann.
Anderson deserves to be in Hall Tim Sullivan column
