Mike Rozier facts for kids
Rozier with the Houston Oilers in 1987
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||||||
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| Born: | March 1, 1961 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 209 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||
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| High school: | Woodrow Wilson (Camden) | ||||||||||||
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| Supplemental draft: | 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2 | ||||||||||||
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Michael M. Rozier (born March 1, 1961) is a former American football player. He was a running back, a player who runs with the ball. Mike played for two seasons in the United States Football League (USFL). He then played for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 1985 to 1991.
He started his college football career at Coffeyville Junior College. Later, he transferred to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In 1983, he won the famous Heisman Trophy. This award goes to the best college football player. After college, he played for the Pittsburgh Maulers and Jacksonville Bulls in the USFL. Then, he joined the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. In 2006, Mike Rozier was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
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Early Life and High School Football
Mike Rozier was born in Camden, New Jersey. He grew up there and attended Woodrow Wilson High School. He was a fantastic football player in high school. His talent was clear even then. Today, the football field at his old high school is named after him.
College Football Star
Starting His College Journey
Many big college football teams didn't notice Mike Rozier at first. His journey to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers was quite a surprise. A coach from Nebraska, Frank Solich, was watching old high school game films. He saw Mike playing for Woodrow Wilson High School. Mike's amazing plays kept catching the coach's eye.
To improve his grades, Mike spent his first year at Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas. In 1980, he led the Coffeyville Ravens to a perfect 9–0 season. He ran for 1,157 yards and scored ten touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 7.4 yards every time he carried the ball.
In 1981, Mike joined Nebraska. He quickly showed his skill with a 93-yard touchdown run against Kansas State. By his junior year in 1982, he became the main running back. Another talented player, Roger Craig, even moved to a different position because Mike was so good.
Breaking Records at Nebraska
During his junior season, Mike Rozier broke a long-standing school record. He rushed for 1,689 yards in one season. He helped Nebraska win the Big Eight title for the second year in a row. They finished the season with a great 12–1 record. Mike was named an All-American for his outstanding play. He also finished 10th in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.
Winning the Heisman Trophy
In his senior year (1983), Nebraska's offense was incredibly powerful. They scored about 52 points per game. They also ran for about 401 yards per game. Mike Rozier had an amazing season. He gained 2,486 total yards, with 2,148 of those from rushing. He scored 29 touchdowns. His average of 7.8 yards per carry was one of the best ever.
He ran for over 200 yards in each of his last four regular-season games. Against Kansas, he rushed for 285 yards, which was a school record at the time. His incredible senior season ended with him winning the Heisman Trophy. This award is given to the best individual player in college football. He was also named an All-American again.
Mike's college career ended with a tough loss in the 1984 Orange Bowl. Nebraska played against Miami for the national championship. Miami won 31-30. Mike had 138 yards by halftime. But he had to leave the game in the third quarter because of an ankle injury. He finished the game with 147 yards.
Playing Pro Football
USFL Days
After college, Mike Rozier was the first player picked in the 1984 USFL Draft. He started his professional career in the United States Football League. In 1984, he played for the Pittsburgh Maulers. In 1985, he played for the Jacksonville Bulls. He gained 2,153 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns in his two USFL seasons.
NFL Career with the Oilers and Falcons
In the fall of 1985, Mike joined the Houston Oilers in the NFL. He was drafted by them in a special draft for USFL and CFL players. He played six seasons for the Oilers. During his time there, he ran for a total of 3,171 yards. In 1988, he had a great season, rushing for 1,002 yards. His excellent play earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl in both 1987 and 1988. The Pro Bowl is a special game featuring the best players from each conference.
In 1990, Mike played only three games for the Oilers before moving to the Atlanta Falcons. He finished that year strong with the Falcons, rushing for 675 yards. His final NFL season was in 1991, also with the Falcons. He retired after that season. Mike Rozier finished his NFL career with 4,462 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
Life After Football
Mike Rozier is married to Rochelle, who is an attorney. They live in Sicklerville, New Jersey, and have a son named Michael Guy Pacheco Rozier. Mike also has two other children, Amber and JaMichael, who live in Houston, Texas.
In 2013, Mike, his wife, and three other family members appeared on the TV show Family Feud. He has also been called one of the most stylish dressers in the history of the Heisman Trophy winners. On April 9, 2024, Mike Rozier was honored in his hometown of Camden, New Jersey. A street was named after him, and a sign was put up celebrating him as a famous football player from the city.
