BREAKING NEWS: Cincinnati Bengals Legend Anthony Muñoz Returns as Co-Owner
The news was revealed during a surprise press conference at Paycor Stadium, where Bengals President Katie Blackburn and longtime owner Mike Brown confirmed the groundbreaking move. Flanked by former teammates and current players alike, Muñoz, 66, expressed gratitude and excitement about returning to the team he helped define during the 1980s.
“This is home,” Muñoz said, visibly emotional. “I bled orange and black for 13 seasons, and now I get to do it again — this time, from the owner’s box.”
The ownership stake was reportedly made possible through a strategic restructuring of family holdings, with the Brown family retaining majority control while bringing Muñoz into a leadership role aimed at strengthening ties between the team and its community.
“Anthony has always been more than a player to us,” said Blackburn. “He’s a symbol of everything the Bengals stand for: integrity, toughness, and loyalty. Having him as part of ownership brings us full circle.”
A Legacy Comes Full Circle
Widely considered the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, Muñoz was a cornerstone of the Bengals franchise from 1980 to 1992, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections, 9 All-Pro honors, and an enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Beyond the field, he has been a tireless advocate for youth programs and community development through the Anthony Muñoz Foundation.
Sources close to the organization suggest Muñoz will play a hands-on role in both football operations and community outreach, serving as a bridge between generations of Bengals fans and players.
NFL and Fan Reaction
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised the move as a “historic and heartfelt decision that embodies what the league stands for,” while fans across social media erupted in celebration. Hashtags like #MuñozReturns and #BengalForLife quickly trended nationwide.
“The greatest Bengal of all time, now part of the ownership team? I’m crying in stripes,” tweeted one fan.
With the Bengals coming off consecutive playoff runs and boasting a roster led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the Muñoz ownership news adds yet another layer of optimism heading into the 2025 seasons.
