Marc May facts for kids

Marc Edward May (born January 1, 1956) is a former American football player. He played as a tight end. Marc May was part of the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). He also played for several teams in other leagues. These included the United States Football League (USFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL). He also played for many semi-professional teams.

Early Life and College Football

Marc Edward May was born on January 1, 1956. His hometown is Chicago, Illinois. He went to South Shore High School in Chicago.

May played college football at Purdue University. He was a member of the Purdue Boilermakers team. He played from 1973 to 1977. He started as a wide receiver. Marc May joined the team as a walk-on. This means he joined without a scholarship. He never received a scholarship during his time at Purdue. He also did not catch any passes in college games. His coach, Alex Agase, suggested he could play tight end. This would happen if he gained more weight. However, May's weight stayed around 180 pounds in college.

Marc May's Professional Football Journey

After college, Marc May gained more weight. He then changed his position to tight end. His former Purdue teammate, Larry Burton, helped him get faster. Burton was an Olympic sprinter.

May was not chosen in the 1978 NFL draft. He tried out for the Los Angeles Rams in 1978. But he was not signed by the team. He then played semi-pro football. He played for the Joliet Fire in 1978. From 1979 to 1982, he played for the Chicago Lions. They were part of the Northern States Football League.

Playing in the USFL

In 1982, Marc May had a very fast 40-yard dash time. The Dallas Cowboys offered him a contract. However, he failed his physical exam. Doctors found a problem with his spine. This was discovered during an X-ray.

May signed with the Chicago Blitz in the United States Football League (USFL) for the 1983 season. He was later released by the Blitz. Then, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions in March 1983. He was also released by the Stallions. On March 4, 1983, he joined the Blitz's developmental squad. He played in ten games for the Blitz in 1983. He was then traded to the New Jersey Generals that same year.

Later Teams and NFL Experience

In 1984, May played for the semi-pro Lincolnwood Chargers. He also spent time with the Orlando Renegades of the USFL. He was released by them on January 17, 1985.

After that, May played more semi-pro football. He played for the Racine Gladiators in 1985. In 1986, he played for the DuPage Eagles. He then played for the Palos-Orland Force in 1987.

On September 26, 1987, Marc May signed with the Minnesota Vikings. This happened during the 1987 NFL players strike. He started all three games the Vikings played during the strike. He caught one pass for 22 yards. He was released on October 19, 1987. This was after the strike ended.

Arena Football and Hall of Fame

In 1988, May played one game for the Chicago Bruisers. This team was in the Arena Football League (AFL). He recorded one sack in that game. In the AFL, players often played both offense and defense. This was because of the league's "ironman rules." May was listed as an offensive lineman/defensive lineman.

Marc May played for the DuPage Eagles again from 1988 to 1990. He was honored in 1992. He was inducted into the American Football Association Minor League Football Hall of Fame. He later played for the semi-pro Chicago Mavericks in 1999.

Life After Playing Football

After his playing career, Marc May became a coach. He was an assistant coach for the DuPage Eagles from 1991 to 1992. From 1994 to 1998, he was the head coach of the semi-pro Chicago Thunder. He also started and coached the Chicago Mavericks from 1999 to 2000.

In 2001, he became the commissioner of the MidStates Football League. Later, Marc May also spent time coaching high school football.