| THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER | FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1998 |
Big Man With Bigger Heart
Aside from being the best offensive tackle to ever put on a pair of shoulder pads, Anthony Munoz is a very warm and wonderful person. The most memorable thing this fan recalls is an appearance Mr. Munoz made at our football banquet several years ago. From the moment he arrived, Anthony moved about as though he had known us for years.
He took time for autographs and genuinely enjoyed the seven-year-old boys who tugged and pulled on his arms and legs; and he hoisted several of them into the air as they clung to his arms. A big man with an even bigger heart.
Thanks again Anthony,
Jeff Schinaman
Following are some of the other letters we received from around the country:
Ever since my father and grandfather stood in line at a local department store in Munoz's rookie year to get me an autographed picture, I have been a great fan of Munoz. My grandfather had season tickets to the Bengals since their inception and as long as I can remember I went with him and watched Anthony Munoz dominate opposing defensive linemen. I enjoyed watching Munoz play and also cherished the opportunity to spend time with one of the biggest inspirations in my life, my grandfather. However, my best memory of Anthony came in my senior year at Milford High School. Munoz came and spoke about his growing up in Southern California and his career in Professional Football. After speaking for an hour or so, Munoz spent another hour after that signing autographs for everyone that wanted one.
Joe Lloyd
I was a freshman in high school when I discovered Anthony Munoz. I played offensive line and my coach told us to watch him during the Bengals' game "to see "to see how offensive line is supposed to be played." He could obliterate the Dexter Manleys and Bruce Smiths of the league with both power and finesse but usually a masterful mixture of the two that left the best of the best wondering what happened to them. I loved to watch him drive his man out of the endzone on a running touchdown. I usually missed the back entering the endzone. I loved to watch him line up for pass protection, telling the defense a pass is entering the endzone.
Vince Metzger
I grew up watching my favorite football player play for my favorite team. He wasn't a multimillion dollar superstar who played the most popular position, but a quiet hard-working man who came to work every day with a smile on his face and a real enjoyment of the game. He was never one to bask in the spotlight of superstardom, yet played with such demeanor that he became a role model for younger players, as well as me. Whether blocking for Boomer or donating time and money to charities, this man always gave everything he had for the love of his sport.
This man can be none other than the great Anthony Munoz of the Cincinnati Bengals. Congratulations, Anthony, you deserve it. Sincerely,
Brian Baker
When the ball is snapped, most football fans watch the quarterback, or running back. But for 10 glorious years, Bengals fans like myself would watch Anthony Munoz, a lineman. Anthony could flatten 280-pound NFL pros. He could drive his opponent 10 yards downfield! Those famous holes you could drive a truck through, were the holes left in Anthony's wake.
Anthony was a fortress of pass defense. Did he ever get beat by a pass rusher? He even caught a few passes himself! With Anthony we passed, we ran, we won. Anthony, you were the greatest! We miss you.
An Anthony Munoz fan
I consider myself fortunate to have Anthony Munoz for a hero. Growing up, I loved to watch him play the game for the sheer dominance he displayed. He transcended the game like no one else has since. He raised the bar for linemen and his athletic ability transformed the position.
Today, I see Anthony in a different light, yet no less heroic. Anthony has never shunned his responsibility as a role model. He is still a class act! As cordial as ever and still driven to make a dominant impact for the improvement of society.
God bless you, Anthony Munoz!
Brad Burchfield
What I remember best about Anthony Munoz was his ability to play All-Pro caliber football even when he was hurt and in much discomfort. Towards the end of his career he played with a "bum" shoulder that was kept in place with a harness. Still, he was able to dominate his opponent on virtually every play. Anthony displayed a balance of strength and agility at left tackle that has been unmatched to this date. Every so often you hear somebody say, "This guy could be the next Anthony Munoz." All I can say to this is fat chance, Anthony Munoz was one-of-a-kind.
L. Stottl
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