Anthony Munoz Inspires the Pittsburgh Maulers Ahead of USFL Season 2
Maulers new Head Coach Ray Horton is determined to lead the team to success, and he brought in Hall of Fame tackle Anthony Munoz to speak to the team before their season opener against the New Orleans Breakers. Munoz, who spent 13 seasons playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history.
Coach Ray Horton described Munoz's speech as follows: "He talked to our players about the opportunity, integrity, and what it takes to be great." Munoz asked the players a critical question, "Are you guys committed or are you interested?" It was a thought-provoking inquiry that challenged the team to re-evaluate their level of dedication to their craft. Munoz went on to emphasize the importance of integrity and doing the work when no one is watching, stating, "It's one thing for us to do something when the camera is looking at us or the fans, but it's another thing when you are by yourself and you have to do something to prepare for this game. That's what your integrity is all about, to do something when nobody is watching, to better your life and your profession. It's nice to have a coach give you a little kick, but get it done yourself."
Horton is also excited to have a chance to redeem the Maulers' 1-9 record from last year. “They’re ready to go.” he said. “We’ve got a mission. We’re going down to New Orleans to take on the New Orleans Breakers and we’re talking about winning. That’s the last thing I said to our guys (at the end of practice).”
The Maulers have made some notable changes to their defense this season, thanks in part to the return of Defensive Coordinator Jarren Horton, son of Head Coach Ray Horton. One of the biggest additions to the team is former University of Alabama standout Reuben Foster. Foster was a key player on the Crimson Tide's national championship team in 2015 and was named the nation's top linebacker in 2016, earning unanimous All-American recognition and the prestigious Butkus Award. He was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers but has faced numerous setbacks since then. Despite being plagued with off-the-field issues and injuries, the Maulers are confident that Foster's talent and experience will make an immediate impact on their defense this season. With Horton leading the charge and Foster ready to prove himself on the field, the Maulers' defense looks poised to be a force in the league.
Arnold "Tre" Tarpley III, a returning safety for the Maulers, is another player eager to make his mark on the team this season. Tarpley III is encouraging fans to attend the home opener, as the team is ready to compete and showcase their talents. "We're all looking to get to the NFL to some extent. You have a lot of hungry people out here competing. So it's fun, and a friendly environment for people to come out," said Tarpley III. Coach Horton has instilled a winning mentality in the team, emphasizing the importance of doing whatever it takes to win. Tarpley III shared the one rule that Coach Horton gave them, stating "if it's going to help us win, we need to do it."
The Maulers have made a significant change this season by updating their colorway to match the other professional franchises out of Pittsburgh, shifting from purple and red to black and gold. However, Coach Horton is not solely focused on the color change; his attention is on winning. "Every week is critical to get a win. You have to start stacking them up," said Coach Horton. The team knows that every game is crucial, and they are determined to come out on top. As they prepare for the upcoming season, they understand that their hard work will determine their success on the field.
The United States Football League is gearing up for its second season, with eight teams set to compete in four hub cities. The season will run from mid-April to early July, with each team playing 10 regular-season games followed by two playoff rounds. The inaugural season was played exclusively in Birmingham, Alabama, but this year's games will be spread across four host sites: Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, and Ford Field in Detroit.
The Pittsburgh Maulers will be playing their home games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, alongside the New Jersey Generals. The two teams will face off in the home opener during Week 2 in Canton, in a doubleheader with the Michigan Panthers taking on the Philadelphia Stars.
