KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee offensive tackle Michael Munoz decided to quit football after he was not chosen in the NFL draft over the weekend, his father, NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz said Monday.
The All-American started 46 games in his career despite injuries, including a torn rotator cuff that ended his senior year before the Southeastern Conference championship game in December.
"When you're not drafted, I think that's a pretty clear indication as Michael has said," Anthony Munoz told The Associated Press. "He'll tell you one door was closed and there's four or five other doors being opened at the same time. It's kind of a divine intervention here."
Michael Munoz, visiting with his family in Ohio, declined to be interviewed by telephone.
He told WNOX radio in Knoxville he is ready to move on.
"I had fun playing football. But I never found my identity playing football," he said. "Football isn't who I am. I knew the day would come when I'd have to walk away from the sport and I'm fine with that. Some people are so wrapped up in it they can't walk away because that's who they are. It's time to make a clean break."
Michael Munoz of Mason, Ohio, was one of the most highly regarded recruits in the country coming out of Moeller High School in Cincinnati.
He graduated early from Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in political science and started working on a master's in public administration last season.
He was awarded the Draddy Trophy as the nation's top scholar-athlete in December and received $25,000 in scholarship money. He is considering getting an MBA, his father said.
Michael's wife Emily will graduate from Tennessee nursing school this spring.
"The amazing thing about it is how well Michael and Emily are doing even as tough a blow as that was," Anthony Munoz said.
The elder Munoz believes injuries hurt his son's chances.
Michael Munoz, a team captain for two seasons, had to redshirt his second year at Tennessee because of a knee injury. He has missed some games with other injuries and played through pain at times.
"We were totally shocked that he did not get drafted. He started four years at Tennessee," Anthony Munoz said. "Knowing as many people in the NFL as I do, there was no inkling that that was going to happen."
Anthony Munoz, also an offensive tackle, was the Cincinnati Bengals' No. 1 pick out of Southern California in the 1980 draft.
That's probably right Disturbed... I don't think he could do that, and if he does then he'll definitely regret it.
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l 1 KC Chief Super Bowl Championship l - l 1 KC Royals World Series Title l - l 2 Kansas University Jayhawk NCAA Basketball Chamionships l
yeah the league minimum would be fine with me he should at least do it for a year or two, rack up a bit of money for the future, then if things look bleak, maybe he can do something else after that.
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I do hope he signs with the Bengals...and not because im a Bengal fan, just because he is a good player and shouldn't quit cause he didnt get drafted...thats kind of dumb. When your as good as he is you should at least try.
Hmmm the best Lineman in the Sim draft wasnt drafted at all in real life. Kinda wierd.
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The only thing I can think of is teams were scared off by his injuries. I got to watch him play a good bit living in Georgia. He always seemed like a good lineman who held his blocks well.
Oh well, I hope he does decide to sign with someone. It would be a shame not to see him compete in the NFL.
he should not just quit like that. Maybe he can go to Nfl Europe, Arena league or the Cfl. There he could thrive and also he might be able to impress the nfl teams
he should not just quit like that. Maybe he can go to Nfl Europe, Arena league or the Cfl. There he could thrive and also he might be able to impress the nfl teams
Or, he could go directly to an NFL team, such as the Bengals. If he is fortunate enough to stay away from injury, he could go on to have a good NFL career.
He definitely said this with the intention of generating rapid interest from teams. By him claiming that he will be retiring and hasn't even played in the NFL, teams will look to change his mind quickly, as he has nothing to lose.
He's just saying it for attention. He knows damn well he ain't getting paid what he would earn in the NFL for the amount of work he'll do. I'll be seriously shocked if he doesn't sign with anyone
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If Munoz really stops playin football he would probably not be able to have another chance at getting back. Who would want him after they see he's a quiter. You don't want that kind of attitude in the 4th quarter. I also think he is doing it for the coverage seeing how he didnt get any for the draft.
The same people that want Randy Moss after he walked off the field early.
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l 1 KC Chief Super Bowl Championship l - l 1 KC Royals World Series Title l - l 2 Kansas University Jayhawk NCAA Basketball Chamionships l
Thats a good point but this guy is no Randy Moss he doesn't have the skill to back up what he is doing. Hopefully he choose a good carrer other than football.
he should at least do it for a year or two, rack up a bit of money for the future, then if things look bleak, maybe he can do something else after that.
