Mike Falls Explained

Mike Falls
Number:63
Position:Guard
Birth Date:March 3, 1934
Birth Place:Bemidji, Minnesota, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lbs:240
High School:Bemidji (MN)
College:Minnesota
Draftyear:1956
Draftround:20
Draftpick:237
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:25
Pfr:FallMi21

Michael Lee Falls (born March 3, 1934; died February 19, 2024) is a former American football guard in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Minnesota.

Early years

Falls attended Bemidji High School where he lettered in football and track. In 1952, he won the Region 8 shot put championship.

He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Minnesota. He was a three-year starter, beginning his career as a two-way guard. As a junior, he was moved to tackle.[1] As a senior, he was elected team captain.[2] He also served as the team's placekicker.[3] He played in the 1955 Blue–Gray game.[4]

Professional career

New York Giants

Falls was selected by the New York Giants in the twentieth round (237th overall) of the 1956 NFL draft, but didn't sign with the team.

Toronto Argonauts

On February 24, 1956, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union league, which eventually became the Canadian Football League.[5] He played on the offensive line and was also the squad's placekicker.[6] He was cut in October.

New York Giants

In 1959, he was signed as a free agent by the New York Giants.[7] He was released on September 14.

Green Bay Packers

On March 10, 1960, he was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers. He was released on September 19.

Dallas Cowboys

On September 22, 1960, he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys.[8] He won the right guard job by mid-season and started 5 games during the franchise's inaugural year. In 1961, he started all 14 games at right guard.[9] He announced his retirement in 1963.

Personal life

After football he initially worked in a public relations job, before being an Episcopal priest for thirty-six years. He was also a teaching associate of John Bradshaw. He was the Chaplain at Austin Recovery, a drug detox in Austin, Texas.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Daugherty Puts Spartans Through Early Scrimmage . February 3, 2018.
  2. Web site: Gopher Elect Falls . February 3, 2018.
  3. Web site: Illinois Tops Minnesota By 21-13 Count . February 3, 2018.
  4. Web site: Blue-Gray Battle Features Defense . February 3, 2018.
  5. Web site: Argos Obtain Eighth Import . February 3, 2018.
  6. Web site: Ledyard And Simpson Pass Act Sparks Riders' 31-20 Triumph . February 3, 2018.
  7. Web site: Gopher Rookie Surprising Pros . February 3, 2018.
  8. Web site: Cowboys Sign Falls, Release Dittrich . February 3, 2018.
  9. Web site: Dallas Will Throw Powerful Offense At Steelers Sunday . February 3, 2018.