Munoz done with football
Tennessee offensive tackle Michael Munoz decided to quit football after he was not chosen in the NFL draft during 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.
Anthony Munoz said his son has not yet decided what his plans are for the future.
“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 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. … It’s time to make a clean break.”
Courson added to witness list
Former Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay guard Steve Courson, who acknowledged steroids caused him serious health problems, was among those added to the witness list for Wednesday’s congressional hearing on the use of steroids in the NFL.
Courson, who played for the Steelers and Buccaneers from 1978-85, has been an anti-steroid campaigner since he retired. He blamed a heart condition on his steroid use.
In addition to Courson, those added on Monday are Dr. John A. Lombardo, the NFL’s adviser on steroids; Dr. Gary A. Wadler, an associate professor at NYU school of medicine; Dr. Linn Goldberg, professor of clinical medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University; Dr. Bryan Finkle, the NFL’s consulting toxicologist on steroids and related substances; and Willie Stewart, football coach at Anacostia High School in Washington.
Boldin misses first practice
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin skipped the first voluntary on-field workout because of the Arizona Cardinal’s failure to extend his contract.
Boldin was the 2003 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after being chosen in the second round and believes he deserves first-round money.
“I think the significance is that he feels that he should have a new contract,” coach Dennis Green said. “And we feel that he should have a new contract extension, too, so that hasn’t changed.”
Also, the Cardinals released offensive tackle Anthony Clement and signed four veteran free agents.
Offensive tackles Ian Allen and Adam Haayer were brought in to strengthen the line.
The team also signed kicker Matt Fordyce and cornerback Raymond Wells.
Around the league
The Detroit Lions released receiver Az-Zahir Hakim and free safety Brock Marion, and signed defensive tackle Brandon Kennedy to a one-year deal. … University of Miami quarterback Brock Berlin agreed to terms of a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins, the player’s agent said. … Defensive end Elton Patterson, who played in six games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. … Minnesota released veteran defensive end Kenny Mixon. The Vikings also released receiver Blake Elliott and linebacker Mike Nattiel and signed rookie free agent defensive tackle David Harley from Rutgers.