Mike Hegman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike Hegman

Hegman (58) with the Dallas Cowboys in 1986
No. 58
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1953-01-17) January 17, 1953 (age 72) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	227 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:	Northside (Memphis, Tennessee)
College:	Tennessee State
NFL Draft:	1975 / Round: 7 / Pick: 173
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (1976−1988)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XII)
Career NFL statistics
Sacks: 21.0 Fumble recoveries: 9 Defensive TDs: 2
Player stats at PFR

Michael William Hegman, born on January 17, 1953, is a former American football player. He was a talented linebacker who played for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football at Tennessee State University.

Mike Hegman's Early Football Journey

Mike Hegman did not start playing football until his last year of high school. He attended Northside High School in Memphis, Tennessee. After high school, he began his college football career at Alabama A&M University.

Transfer to Tennessee State

Later, Mike transferred to Tennessee State University. He joined the Tennessee State Tigers football team as a "walk-on" player. This means he joined the team without a scholarship. He became a starting middle linebacker for the team.

College Success and Draft

In 1973, his team had a perfect 10–0 season. They won the black college football national championship. The next year, Mike set a school record with 158 tackles.

At the end of his junior year, people thought he still had one more year to play. However, the Dallas Cowboys knew he was eligible for the 1975 NFL draft. They picked him in the seventh round. The NCAA later said he was not eligible for the 1975 college season. He was allowed to play in the Senior Bowl game.

Mike Hegman's NFL Career

The Dallas Cowboys picked Mike Hegman in the seventh round of the 1975 NFL draft. He was the 173rd player chosen overall. The Cowboys were allowed to keep his rights. This was because it was proven he was eligible for the draft. His college class had already graduated that year.

Starting in the NFL

Mike joined the NFL in the 1976 season. For his first four years, he mostly played on special teams. He also served as a backup outside linebacker. He learned from players like Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson and D. D. Lewis.

Super Bowl Moment

During Super Bowl XIII against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike made a very famous play. He took the ball from quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Then, he ran 37 yards for a touchdown after a fumble. This was a huge moment in his career.

Becoming a Starter

Mike became the main strong-side linebacker for the Cowboys. This happened after Thomas Henderson left the team in the 1979 season. Mike was a key part of the Cowboys' defense for over ten years.

Injuries and Retirement

In the 1985 season, Mike missed five games. He had a broken arm. In 1987, he missed six games because of a broken leg. In the 1988 season, he hurt his right knee before the season started. He was placed on the injured list. The Cowboys released him on October 25 as they wanted to bring in younger players.

Mike Hegman played for 12 years in the NFL. He started in 116 games. He helped the Cowboys win two NFC Championships. He also helped them win one Super Bowl during his time with the team. He was a very reliable player for the Cowboys' defense.