Michael Myers (born January 20, 1976) is a former professional American football defensive tackle who played for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Alabama.

Early years

Myers attended Vicksburg High School where he played both football and basketball and was All-state in both sports.

He received a scholarship from the University of Mississippi, but after a low score in the ACT, he had to play two seasons at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, where he set a record with 20 sacks as a freshman and was a two-time JUCO All-American.

He transferred to the University of Alabama, where as a junior he finished with 66 tackles, 24 quarterback pressures and 13 sacks (third on the school’s all-time list). He was mentioned as a preseason All-American

and All-SEC selection entering his senior season, but it ended abruptly when he was suspended after the season opener for having contacted a sports agent.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

1998

Myers was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft, after he dropped for being out of football for a year and having a poor Senior Bowl. In his rookie season he played in every game and made his first start against the Washington Redskins on December 27 where he also recorded a sack. He registered 23 tackles (9 solo), 3 sacks, 5 quarterback pressures and 2 passes defensed.

1999

He only played in six regular season games, but did participate in the Wild Card playoff game at the Minnesota Vikings where he recorded two sacks.

2000

In 2000 he started the last seven games after Leon Lett was lost with a season ending knee injury, making his first start at defensive tackle versus the Cincinnati Bengals on November 12. Myers also made a number of plays as a tight end in goal-line formations. He played in 13 games after being inactive during the first 3 weeks of the season, finishing with 46 tackles (30 solo), 6 quarterback pressures, 2 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

2001

Myers started in every game and was part of a defense that was ranked fourth in the NFL with only 287.4 yards allowed per game. He finished sixth on the team in tackles (67), tied for second in sacks (3.5) and third in quarterback pressures (18).

2002

The signing of free agent La’Roi Glover by the team in 2002, relegated him to a reserve role. He played in every game registering 44 tackles (25 solo), one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 3 passes defensed.

2003

He started the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons and registered 2 tackles. He was inactive for the next 3 games before being waived on October 7.

Cleveland Browns

2003

Myers signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent on November 12. He had a career day versus the Baltimore Ravens on December 21 with ten tackles and two sacks. He played in 7 games (1 start) and recorded 26 tackles (9 solo), 3 sacks and one pass defensed.

2004

Myers played in every game for the Browns and made seven starts, finishing with 51 tackles (30 solo), one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Denver Broncos

2005

On March 30, Myers was traded by Cleveland to the Denver Broncos who also received Ebenezer Ekuban in exchange for Reuben Droughns. With the Broncos also signing free agent Courtney Brown, as well as obtaining Ekuban and Gerard Warren in separate trades with the Browns, the local media referred to the Broncos new defensive line as the “Browncos”, since all four starters were also the Browns starters the year before, under new defensive line coach Andre Patterson. He started 15 regular season games and two playoff games including the AFC Championship game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers where he made tackles. He made 50 tackles, while helping the Broncos finish with a 13-3 record which clinched the AFC West title.

2006

Myers started all 16 games for the Broncos and had a career high 57 combined tackles (37, 20). He had 2 sacks, 2 passes defensed and forced a fumble.

Cincinnati Bengals

2007

On April 19, he signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals. After being waived on August 31, he was re-signed in the second week and finished with 34 tackles, one sack, 2 passes defensed and his first career interception against Steve McNair of the Ravens to end Baltimore’s final drive and win the game. The interception deflected off the hands of Ravens tight end Todd Heap in the end zone and thwarted the Ravens’ comeback attempt in the closing seconds. His contract was terminated on August 31, 2008.

Personal life

In the summer of 2012, he was a graduate assistant at Hinds Community College, coaching the defensive line while he pursued his master’s degree. In February 2012, he joined other former players in a concussion lawsuit against the NFL.