Bengals great Munoz hired by hall of fame

CANTON — The Pro Football Hall of Fame has hired Anthony Muñoz as its first chief football relationship officer.

The hall said the 1998 inductee will engage with current and prospective business partners and sponsors; be involved in philanthropic efforts for the museum; and promote the hall’s mission and initiatives. He will report directly to Hall of Fame President Jim Porter.

“I’m excited to step into this role, and I do so with great humility,” Muñoz said. “The hall is about the game of football, about people . ... Everything that’s included in the Hall of Fame is why I’m excited to be part of this team.”

Porter said Muñoz will help open doors for the hall as it strives to build relationships and expand its reach nationally.

“Anthony’s personality and football credibility are perfectly suited for this new position,” Porter said. “He is widely regarded as one of the best to play offensive tackle in the NFL. He understands the demands of the game and what it takes to become a Hall of Famer. As founder of the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, he also understands the nonprofit world and what it takes to reach and sustain excellence in that environment.”

The third player selected overall in the 1980 draft, by Cincinnati, Muñoz became an immediate starter, made nine All-Pro teams, helped the Bengals win two AFC titles, and was a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s and the NFL 100 All-Time Team. In 1991, he was the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.

“There is not a guy more universally well-received than Anthony Muñoz,” said fellow Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews.

MICHAEL CONROY / ASSOCIATED PRESS Legendary Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Anthony Munoz holds open his jacket during his induction to the team’s “Ring of Honor” at Paul Brown Stadium last season. Munoz was hired last week by the Pro Football Hall of Fame — which he joined in 1998 — as its first chief football relationship officer.