James Mungro facts for kids

James Olevia Mungro II, born on February 13, 1978, is a former American football player. He played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). James Mungro's entire NFL career was with the Indianapolis Colts. He helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLI. He retired from the NFL because of a serious knee injury (an ACL tear) he got in 2006. Before playing professionally, he attended Syracuse University.

Early Life & High School Football

James Mungro grew up in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. He went to East Stroudsburg South High School. He was an amazing football player in high school. He was named an "All-America" player by Parade and Street and Smith's magazines.

As a junior, he was named Pennsylvania Player-of-the-Year. He was also chosen for the all-state team in his last two years. In his senior year, he ran for 2,541 yards and scored 34 touchdowns. He set a Pennsylvania state record for rushing yards. He ran for 8,432 yards in his high school career. He also gained 9,513 total yards from running and receiving.

James Mungro set 48 team records during his time in high school. He was also named the team's MVP three times. Today, he lives in Camillus, New York, with his wife, Jessica.

College Career at Syracuse

James Mungro played football for four years at Syracuse University. He was a "letterman," which means he played well enough to earn a special award. He ran for 2,869 yards and scored 29 touchdowns for the Syracuse Orangemen.

His best year was his senior year. He ran for 1,170 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. This was the third-best rushing season in Syracuse history. After a game against Kansas State, he was named the Insight.com Bowl Offensive Player of the Game. He ran for 112 yards in that game.

As a junior, he ran for 797 yards and 7 touchdowns in 10 games. His average of 6.9 yards per run was the third-best in school history. In his sophomore year, he ran for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was named the Music City Bowl MVP after running for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. One of his runs was an amazing 86-yard touchdown! As a freshman, he ran for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns. James Mungro studied physical education in college.

NFL Career Highlights

James Mungro was not chosen in the NFL Draft in 2002. However, the Detroit Lions signed him that year. He was later released by the Lions. The Indianapolis Colts quickly signed him. He became a backup player to star running back Edgerrin James.

In 2002, James Mungro scored eight touchdowns for the Colts. He filled in for James, who was often injured. In his first game as a starter, he ran for 114 yards.

In 2003, Mungro continued as a backup running back. He played in seven games. He then had to stop playing for the rest of the season because of a toe injury. In one amazing game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he scored three touchdowns. These touchdowns helped the Colts come back from being down 35–14. They ended up winning the game 38–35 in overtime!

In 2004, James Mungro caught two of Peyton Manning's touchdown passes. Manning set a record that season with 49 touchdown passes. Mungro caught the record-tying 48th touchdown pass.

Super Bowl Champion

In 2006, James Mungro achieved a huge goal. He won a Super Bowl ring! His team, the Indianapolis Colts, won Super Bowl XLI.

After the 2006 season, the Colts did not sign Mungro again. He was not on any NFL team roster in 2007 or 2008. The Colts' General Manager, Bill Polian, later said that James Mungro had retired from the NFL. This was due to his serious knee injury.