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by Susie Taylor

To most people, NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz exemplifies success. The first round draft pick played for 13 years in the National Football League, was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and played in two Super Bowls.

But to Munoz, his success is defined by his ability to be a role model; by being a good father, husband and son; and by his growing spiritual relationship.

Munoz was the keynote speaker at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 84^th annual meeting in Cincinnati on Dec. 4.

"What is success? How do you measure success? Is a great football career a success?" Munoz asked.

He related details from his childhood. His father was not involved in his home life. His mother worked several jobs to support her five children.

"Some people might look at that childhood and say it wasn’t successful. But I look back and I see the work ethic my mom taught us as youngsters. That was success," he said.

At the University of Southern California, Munoz played one full season out of four for the Trojans. Only his sophomore year wasn’t plagued by injury. It was during his sophomore year in college that he got married. That same year, he started his spiritual journey as a Christian.

"Those were tough years. But I look at the relationships I was able to develop. Society says those times were not successful for me, but I look at those years and see that I was able to develop a humility that I wouldn’t have developed otherwise. I look at those years and see success," he said.

Deciding what is important in life is something each person has to do for himself, he said. "It took years for me to understand that. God allowed me to step back and see that true success is not what I’m doing on the football field, but who I’m becoming as a person."

There are no short cuts to developing character, he said. "Character comes from a lifestyle that we choose for ourselves. It doesn’t happen overnight and you have to work hard," he said.

Developing relationships with other people is important. "We can accomplish great things if we know how to connect with other people."