Skip to main content
USC
Join Now

Trojan legend Anthony Muñoz visits USC

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney02/10/22ErikTMcKinney

Pro football hall of famer and USC legend Anthony Muñoz visited USC Wednesday and stopped by to check in with the Trojans.

He’s the first marquee former player to stop by as the Trojans go through winter conditioning sessions. But he likely won’t be the last.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley made a point during his introductory press conference to make sure people like Muñoz and other Trojan greats would always be welcomed and a consistent presence in the program.

“The history of this program is as good as it gets in college football,” Riley said. “Our doors will always be open. You are a part of us forever. We can’t do this without you guys, and we’re going to enlist you to help us build, to help us recruit. And in return, we hope we can give you a program that you’re damn proud of.”

One of pro football’s all-time great offensive tackles, Muñoz’ USC career has a bit of a “what-if” tint to it. Injuries hit the 6-foot-6, 278-pound tackle in three seasons and forced him to miss all but the first and final game of his senior year. Despite tearing knee ligaments in the opener, Muñoz returned for a 17-16 win against Ohio State in the 1980 Rose Bowl. He helped paved the way for 247 rushing yards from tailback Charles White.

Muñoz went on to become the No. 3 overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft and arguably the greatest professional offensive lineman of all time.

New USC offensive line coach Josh Henson referenced Muñoz in his introductory press conference last week. Henson spoke to the tradition of great USC offensive linemen, adding that perhaps four of the 10 greatest NFL lineman of all time are USC Trojans. Muñoz was the first name Henson mentioned.

You may also like

Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz