Member Biography

John Michels played guard for Tennessee, was a three-time letter winner, two-time all-conference selection, and in 1952, consensus All-America. That year he also won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. Tennessee had a 29-4-1 record and played in the Cotton Bowl twice and the Sugar Bowl once during Michels' time. He played in the Hula Bowl and College All-Star Game. He was named to the all-time Cotton Bowl team. Michels played pro one year, 1953, with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a first lieutenant in the Army 1954-56. Michels coached in the Canadian Football League 1957-1967 and coached the offensive line for the Minnesota Vikings 1968-1993.