Norm Michael
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rocky River, Ohio, U.S.
Rochester, New York, U.S.
| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Fullback |
| Personal information | |
| Born | May 1, 1921 Rocky River, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 25, 2011 (aged 90) Rochester, New York, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 192 lb (87 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Lakewood (Lakewood, Ohio) |
| College | Syracuse University |
Norman Gladding Michael (May 1, 1921[1] – September 25, 2011) was an American college football player who was a fullback and war veteran. He played college football for the Syracuse Orange before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 18th round of the 1944 NFL draft. At the time of the draft, Michael was serving in World War II, and he did not learn of his selection until 55 years later.[2][3][4]
Born in Providence, RI in 1921,[5] Michael attended high school at Lakewood. He played college football at Syracuse University, playing fullback. One of his best plays came as a sophomore, where he made a 58-yard run against rival Colgate, scoring a touchdown a few plays later.[6] But on the next possession he broke his leg and was out for the year. He was frequently injured during his time at Syracuse,[7] "keeping the doctors busy", according to the Democrat and Chronicle.[8] In addition, Michael suffered a torn arm muscle as a freshman, and fracturing or breaking his wrist, arm,[9] nose, and ankle in his final two seasons.[8] While healthy, he was rated a top-class fullback, being dubbed by a scouting report as, "a first-class fullback so long as his bones maintain the particular spirit of unity."[6] Another newspaper described him as "a Rocky River, Ohio boy who is touted as one of the fastest backs ever to play for Syracuse."[7] Though he was mainly used as a blocker, he made the most of his rushes, averaging 10.5 yards per-carry in one season.[7]
