EASLEY — NFL Hall of Fame member Anthony Muñoz, considered by many to be the best offensive lineman ever to play in the NFL, will be in Easley next Tuesday, March 6, as a special guest speaker at Rock Springs Baptist Church.
In 2010, Muñoz was ranked No. 12 on the NFL Network’s Top 100 Greatest Players list and was the highest-ranked offensive lineman.
Next Tuesday’s program, which begins at 7 p.m. at the church, is free for all, and all are invited. There will be an informal dinner in the church gym beginning at 5:30 p.m., but reservations are required for the meal, which will cost just $3. Reservations can be made by calling 859-9854.
Muñoz not only played for the University of Southern California’s Rose Bowl football team, but was a pitcher on the Trojans’ 1978 NCAA National Championship baseball team.
Muñoz played for the Cincinnati Bengals after being the third player chosen in the first round of the 1980 draft. He played in Super Bowls XVI and XXIII for the Bengals.
Anthony was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection during his 13-year Hall of Fame career. At the time of his retirement, his Pro Bowl appearances were tied with Tom Mack for the most ever by an offensive lineman in league history.
Muñoz is a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, listed on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and winner of the Walter Payton and Bart Starr Man of the Year Award in 1989 and 1991. Muñoz was voted NFL Lineman of the Year seven times from 1981-1991.
His former coach in Cincinnati, Pickens County councilman Sam Wyche, describes Anthony as the “Tim Tebow of the 1980s.”
“He lived his life, on and off the field, like a true sports hero should,” Wyche said.
Wyche quipped that he used to say “Munoz could have lost 100 pounds and played shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds… he is that athletic.”
“My wish is that every high school, middle and elementary school student, boys and girls, will bring their parents to hear one of the greatest NFL role models in the history of the game,” Wyche said. “Come at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy a $3 dinner in the gym, or join us in the sanctuary at 7 p.m.”