Mike Townsend facts for kids
| No. 42, 29 | |
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| Position: | Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 19, 1952 Brundidge, Alabama, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Garfield (Hamilton, Ohio) |
| College: | Notre Dame (1970–1973) |
| NFL Draft: | 1974 / Round: 4 / Pick: 86 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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Michael Lavon Townsend (born March 19, 1952) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive back. Mike played for two seasons in the World Football League (WFL). He was part of the Jacksonville Sharks and Memphis Southmen.
He was also chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1974 NFL draft. Mike played college football at the University of Notre Dame. He was recognized as an All-American in 1973.
Early Life
Michael Lavon Townsend was born on March 19, 1952. His hometown was Brundidge, Alabama. He went to Garfield High School in Hamilton, Ohio.
College Football Star
Townsend played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. He was on the team from 1970 to 1973. In 1972, he led the entire nation with 10 interceptions. This was a school record for Notre Dame.
Mike was a team captain in 1973. That year, his team, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, won the national championship! He was named an All-American in 1973. This means he was one of the best college players in the country. After his senior year, he played in the Hula Bowl game. His brother, Willie Townsend, also played with him at Notre Dame.
Playing Pro Football
After college, Mike was chosen by two different teams. The Minnesota Vikings picked him in the 1974 NFL draft. He was the 86th player chosen overall. The Jacksonville Sharks also picked him in the 1974 WFL draft.
Mike decided to sign with the Jacksonville Sharks. He played in all 14 games for the Sharks in 1974. During that season, he made four interceptions.
In 1975, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings. However, he was released from the team on August 25, 1975. After that, he played one game for the Memphis Southmen in the WFL in 1975.
Townsend later signed with the New York Giants on January 27, 1976. But he was released before he played any games for them.
