Professional Football Player, Broadcaster. He was one of the earliest Latino players in the NFL and a pioneer in the development of Spanish-language television in America. Educated at New Mexico State University, he was signed as a placekicker and punter for the Los Angeles Rams in 1960. Nicknamed "El Kickador", whenever he walked onto the field bullfighting music was played. In 1962, he led the NFL in punting, set the Rams' record for the longest field goal of 51 yards and the single season record for punting with an average a 45.5 yards. For eight seasons, he played with the Los Angeles Rams (1960-64) and Dallas Cowboys, (1965-67), with a record of 85 field goals, 491 points, a 42.8 career punting average and 20862 in punt yardage. Villanueva began his broadcasting career as a sportscaster at KNBC-TV Los Angeles in 1970 and later became the president and general manager, of KMEX-TV Spanish-language station in Los Angeles. He also became part-owner of the Spanish International Network, with Hispanic stations located in cities across the United States. He is a member of the New Mexico State University Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Management Hall of Fame, National Hispanic Hall of Fame and Hispanic Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. Cause of death from compications a stroke at age 77.
Professional Football Player, Broadcaster. He was one of the earliest Latino players in the NFL and a pioneer in the development of Spanish-language television in America. Educated at New Mexico State University, he was signed as a placekicker and punter for the Los Angeles Rams in 1960. Nicknamed "El Kickador", whenever he walked onto the field bullfighting music was played. In 1962, he led the NFL in punting, set the Rams' record for the longest field goal of 51 yards and the single season record for punting with an average a 45.5 yards. For eight seasons, he played with the Los Angeles Rams (1960-64) and Dallas Cowboys, (1965-67), with a record of 85 field goals, 491 points, a 42.8 career punting average and 20862 in punt yardage. Villanueva began his broadcasting career as a sportscaster at KNBC-TV Los Angeles in 1970 and later became the president and general manager, of KMEX-TV Spanish-language station in Los Angeles. He also became part-owner of the Spanish International Network, with Hispanic stations located in cities across the United States. He is a member of the New Mexico State University Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Management Hall of Fame, National Hispanic Hall of Fame and Hispanic Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. Cause of death from compications a stroke at age 77.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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