This post is part of a media project called SoCal Sports History 101: The Prime Numbers from 00 to 99 that Uniformly, Uniquely and Unapologetically Reveal The Narrative of Our Region’s Athletic Heritage. Pick a number, and consider the list of athletes attached to it. Who wore it best? Or, what’s the most compelling story linked to it? Any person, place or thing is in play with Southern California connections. Star power, transformational achievement, longevity, notoriety and quirkiness all factor in. Whatever leads to a lively discussion and interpretation.
The most obvious choices for No. 77:
Luka Doncic: Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Muñoz: USC football
Ron Yary: USC football
Jeff Carter: Los Angeles Kings
Lyle Alzado: Los Angeles Raiders
Alex Whitworth: Los Angeles Rams
Not-so-obvious choices for No. 77:
John McCarthy: LAFC and Los Angeles Galaxy
Adam Oates: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Paul Coffey: Los Angeles Kings
The most interesting story for No. 77:
Anthony Muñoz: USC football offensive lineman (1976 to 1979) via Chaffey High of Ontario
Southern California map pinpoints:
Ontario, Los Angeles (Coliseum)
Imagine if all 6-foot-6 and 278-pounds of Anthony Muñoz played tackle on the University of Illinois’ offensive line in the 1920s, paving a path for someone still considered, a century later, as the greatest college football player of all time in Harold “Red” Grange.
Both wore No. 77. Who would be best remembered for it decades later?
In “The Football 100,” a 2023 list procured by the staff of The Athletic that takes into account the 25,000-plus players who’ve suited up in the NFL during its century of existence, Muñoz is slotted as 12th from the top. Not only is he the top offensive lineman on that list, but he is positioned as the highest-ranked football player ever associated with Southern California ties.
Grange, despite his Pro Football Hall of Fame status, didn’t even make this list.
Before his own ascent into a Pro Football Hall of Fame career, Muñoz was included in ESPN’s list of the 150 greatest players in college football’s 150-year history, a place where Grange sits only at No. 6. Despite having just one healthy full season, and missing 16 games during his final two seasons, he still made it into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Three knee surgeries in four years robbed him of almost every chance to play in games against rivals UCLA and Notre Dame. Then came the 1980 Rose Bowl, where USC coach John Robinson said Muñoz’s performance was “one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen happen.”
Continue reading “No. 77: Anthony Muñoz”
