PFRPA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

 

For current and retired NFL players alike, this month holds significant meaning as it provides the opportunity to recognize and honor the impactful role that Hispanic players, coaches and staff have had, and continue to have, in shaping the League.

 

Here are just a few retired NFL players, who are also PFRPA members, of Hispanic heritage that have made meaningful contributions to the game.

 

 

Tony Casillas, who is of Mexican heritage on his father’s side, is a former defensive end who played with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets across 12 seasons.

 

During his career, he was a 2× Super Bowl champion during Super Bowl XXVII (1993) and Super Bowl XXVIII (1994); was named Second-team All-Pro (1989); and made the PFWA All-Rookie Team (1986).

 

Jack Del Rio is of Spanish heritage from his father’s side and was a linebacker for 11 seasons with the New Orleans Saints (1985-1986), Kansas City Chiefs (1987-1988), Dallas Cowboys (1989-1991) and Minnesota Vikings (1992-1995).

 

During his 160-game career, Del Rio was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1995; made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1985; had 1,005 tackles; and recorded 13 sacks. Del Rio has also held multiple NFL defensive coordinator and head coaching positions and is currently with the Wisconsin Badgers football program.

 

 

David Diaz-Infante is of Mexican heritage and played six seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.

 

Diaz-Infante is a back-to-back Super Bowl champion, winning Super Bowl XXXII (1998) and Super Bowl XXXIII (1999) with the Denver Broncos.

 

 

Justin Fargas, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, was a running back for the Las Vegas Raiders for seven seasons.

 

Throughout his career, he rushed for 3,369 career yards, including a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2007, and scored 10 career touchdowns.

 

Anthony Muñoz, who is of Mexican-American heritage, was an offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals for 13 seasons from 1980 until 1992. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

 

During his playing career, Muñoz earned a long list of accolades, including NFL Man of the Year (1991), 9× First-team All-Pro (1981–1983, 1985–1990) and 11× Pro Bowl (1981–1991). He was also a part of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Additionally, Muñoz played in two Super Bowls with the Bengals: Super Bowl XVI (1982) and Super Bowl XXIII (1989).

Born in Havana, Cuba, Ralph Ortega was drafted in 1975 by the Atlanta Falcons, where he played four seasons as a linebacker, before being traded to the Miami Dolphins for the 1979 and 1980 seasons.

 

During his six-year career, Ortega played in 81 regular season games, intercepted five passes and recovered seven fumbles.

 

 

Born to Mexican-American parents, Plunkett was a quarterback for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders during his 16-year playing career.

 

Plunkett was named AFC Rookie of the Year in 1971, and he is only one of four NFL players in history to have won both a Super Bowl MVP and the Heisman Trophy. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, with Super bowl XV in 1981 and Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, receiving the Super Bowl XV MVP award for his outstanding performance with the Raiders.

 

 

PFRPA celebrates all retired and current NFL players of Hispanic heritage and acknowledges their contributions to the game.