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

Muñoz’s primary responsibilities in the newly-created role will be to engage with current and prospective business partners and sponsors, be involved in philanthropic efforts for the Hall of Fame, and join others within the organization to promote its mission and initiatives through the media.

In a statement, Muñoz wrote that he is excited to step into the role and will do it with great humility.

“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,” he said. 

Jim Porter, Pro Football Hall of Fame, added that Muñoz will play a critical role in helping open doors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as it strives to build relationships and expand its national reach.

Muñoz was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998, his first year of eligibility. He had retired nearly six years prior after a 13-year career in the National Football League.

After being selected third overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1980 NFL Draft, Muñoz immediately made his mark in the league, being named both a Pro Bowler and NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year in just his rookie season. 

Throughout the course of his career, the former offensive tackle earned 11 consecutive Pro Bowl selections, nine First-team All-Pro nods, two Second-team All-Pro nods and was three times named Offensive Lineman of the Year. He was also named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100 All-Time Team. In 1991, Munoz was named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year for his work giving back to communities in Cincinnati.   

Of Mexican-American descent, Munoz has set himself apart as one of the most impactful and influential Latinos in the history of the NFL — both as a player, and his contributions since his retirement. 

“Anthony’s personality and football credibility are perfectly suited for this new position. He understands the demands of the game and what it takes to become a Hall of Famer,” said Porter. 

“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. He will be a great addition to his newest team — and his teammates in Canton are excited to be working with him,” he continued. 

Munoz will officially start in his new role as chief football relationship officer June 6.