The National Football League is trying to turn the tables on a drumbeat of scrutiny in the mainstream media, teaming up with Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz to put a positive spin on the game.

"I would not be standing here if it wasn't for the game of football," the 13-year Cincinnati Bengals veteran told Fox News' "America's Newsroom" Thursday. "More than teaching character, the game of football reveals character. For me, this game brings a lot to young men that might not have an opportunity or the possibility to excel."

For the past four years, Munoz has been running character camps across the country in partnership with the NFL, teaching young players the discipline and values needed to excel on and off the field.

"We've been in over 20 NFL cities, we've touched over 10,000 young men and women," Munoz said. "It's exciting to use the game of football that's given me this platform, this opportunity, to go out and teach young men and women."

Munoz will receive a 2015 Medallion of Excellence from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Thursday evening for his 14 years of community outreach.

"This has been a great game for me and I'm thankful for it," he said.