Mike Wilcher facts for kids

Michael D. Wilcher (born March 20, 1960) is a former football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Mike Wilcher played for the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers. His career in the NFL lasted from 1983 to 1991.

Mike Wilcher's Early Football Days

Mike Wilcher started his football journey in high school. He played at Eastern High School. This school in Washington D.C. was known for its strong football team.

Playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels

After high school, Mike Wilcher went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He took over the linebacker spot from a famous player, Lawrence Taylor.

During his last year, Mike made 68 tackles. A tackle is when a player stops an opponent with the ball. He also had 20 tackles for loss in his final two seasons. A tackle for loss means stopping a player behind their starting line.

Getting Drafted into the NFL

Mike Wilcher was chosen in the 1983 NFL draft. He was the 36th player picked overall. This happened in the second round of the draft. Teams liked his size, which was 6 feet 3 inches tall and 240 pounds. He was also very fast.

Mike Wilcher's Professional Career

Mike Wilcher played for two teams in the National Football League (NFL). He spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Rams. He also played a short time for the San Diego Chargers.

Time with the Los Angeles Rams

When Mike first joined the Los Angeles Rams, he played on special teams. He also helped out the main outside linebackers. These players were Mel Owens and George Andrews.

In 1984, George Andrews got hurt. Mike Wilcher then became the main right outside linebacker. He kept this position until 1990. In his first five games as a starter in 1984, he made 2 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback.

In 1985, Mike Wilcher was a star for the Rams. He led the team with 12.5 sacks. He also made 97 tackles that season. By the end of his time with the Rams, he had 400 tackles. He also had 38.5 sacks and 4 interceptions. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an opponent.

Playing for the San Diego Chargers

After leaving the Rams, Mike Wilcher played two games for the San Diego Chargers. This brought his total NFL games played to 125.

Life After Football

Today, Mike Wilcher lives in Maryland. He lives there with his wife and their three children.