Bengals Hall of Fame lineman Anthony Munoz made his mark in the NFL blocking people, but Thursday at the Billy Graham Mission he wanted to do just the opposite.

Anthony Munoz applauds with the Rev. Billy Graham. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        On the field where the Bengals now play, Mr. Munoz, 43, welcomed mission participants with personal testimony in which he praised God for his football success. He hopes, however, to have a legacy beyond football's Hall of Fame.

        “I believe he made me a much better football player,” Mr. Munoz told a crowd that at times erupted into applause. “My desire is to leave a godly legacy.”

        Mr. Munoz, who is of Hispanic origin, was asked nearly 10 months ago to serve as mission chairperson. Organizers said he was the right person to bring blacks and whites together behind the mission.

Munoz prays on stage. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        “A lot of people doubted I could have made it to college with the background I had,” said Mr. Munoz, who grew up in a single-parent home in a southern California neighborhood known for crime and drugs.

        Mr. Munoz, who played college football at the University of Southern California, said he learned there that he needed Jesus to fill “the emptiness in my heart that only he could fill.

        “I have learned what the world says and God says are two different things,” he said..

        Mr. Munoz said he hopes those who heard his testimony “would look into getting to know the same Jesus” who has changed his life.

Large crowd listens to Munoz give his testimonial. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        Mr. Munoz was the third player selected in the 1980 NFL Draft. He became a starter as a rookie for the Bengals and played in 11 All-Pro games during his 13-year career. He made two Super Bowl appearances, in 1982 and 1989 — both losses to San Francisco.

        Fans who cheered the 6-foot-6 lineman during his playing days said they were happy to catch a glimpse of him, even if wasn't wearing the traditional Bengals orange and black.

        Keith Bollman, a Bengals fan and a mission participant from Western Hills, said Mr. Munoz is a perfect choice for event chairperson.

        “He is sensitive to what is going on here,” Mr. Bollman said. “He is always one to bring people together.”

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