Mike Morgan (linebacker, born 1988) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike Morgan

Morgan with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014
No. 48, 57
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1988-01-16) January 16, 1988 (age 37) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:	Skyline (Dallas, Texas)
College:	USC
Undrafted:	2011
Career history
Seattle Seahawks (2011–2016)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 69 Sacks: 1.0 Interceptions: 1
Player stats at PFR

Michael Cantrel Morgan, born on January 16, 1988, is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker, a position where players stop the opposing team from moving the ball forward. The Seattle Seahawks team signed him in 2011. He joined them as an undrafted free agent, meaning he wasn't chosen in the main player draft. Before playing professionally, he played college football for the USC Trojans. Mike Morgan is also a Super Bowl champion, having won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks.

Early Life and High School Football

Mike Morgan grew up in Dallas, Texas. He went to Skyline High School, where he was a star player on the football team. During his senior year, he made an amazing 203 tackles. A tackle is when a defensive player stops an offensive player who has the ball. He also had 10 sacks. A sack happens when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.

In 2004, Mike showed off his skills even more. He had 98 tackles, 18 sacks, and forced the other team to drop the ball (called a fumble) seven times. His strong performance in high school showed he was a talented player.

College Football Career

After high school, Mike Morgan went to the University of Southern California (USC) to play college football for the USC Trojans.

Starting at USC

In 2006, his first year, Mike was "redshirted." This means he practiced with the team but didn't play in any games. This allowed him to train and get stronger without using up a year of his playing eligibility. He had a back sprain that year, which kept him from playing.

Playing as a Backup

In 2007, Mike played as a backup linebacker. He also spent time on "special teams." Special teams are groups of players who only play during specific parts of the game, like kickoffs and punts. He played in 12 games and made nine tackles.

In 2008, his sophomore year, he continued to be a backup and play on special teams. He played in 12 games again and made 24 tackles, along with one sack.

Becoming a Starter

By 2009, Mike Morgan had worked his way up. He became the starting outside linebacker for the USC Trojans. This was a big step in his college career, showing how much he had improved.

Professional Football Career

Mike Morgan began his professional journey in 2011. Even though he wasn't chosen in the main 2011 NFL draft, he was soon signed by the Seattle Seahawks.

Joining the Seattle Seahawks

On September 3, 2011, the Seahawks released him during their final roster cuts. This meant he didn't make the team's main roster at first. However, he later rejoined the team. He made his first professional start on November 11 against the New York Jets.

Key Moments with Seattle

On March 19, 2016, Mike signed a new contract to stay with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2016 season. However, he was placed on injured reserve on October 3, 2016, because of a sports hernia. This meant he couldn't play for a while.

He was able to return to the team on December 3, 2016, just before Week 13 of the season. On December 4, 2016, Mike played his first game of the season against the Carolina Panthers. On the very first defensive play for the Seahawks, Mike Morgan made his first career interception. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. This was a big moment for him!

On July 31, 2017, Mike re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks again. But on September 2, 2017, he was released from the team.