Michael Walter (American football)
Michael Walter| No. 59, 99 |
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| Position: |
Linebacker |
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| Personal information |
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| Date of birth: |
(1960-11-30) November 30, 1960 |
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| Place of birth: |
Salem, Oregon |
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| Height: |
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
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| Weight: |
240 lb (109 kg) |
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| Career information |
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| High school: |
Sheldon (Eugene, Oregon) |
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| College: |
Oregon |
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| NFL draft: |
1983 / Round: 2 / Pick: 50 |
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| Career history
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Player stats at PFR |
Michael David Walter (born November 30, 1960) is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League for eleven seasons for the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys.
Early years
At Sheldon High School (Eugene, Oregon) he focused on basketball, playing just one year of football.[1] He attended the University of Oregon where he was used as a linebacker, before being moved to defensive end as a sophomore.[2] As a senior he was the team captain for the 1982 season and also played in the east East–West Shrine Game.[3]
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Michael was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft, with the intention of converting him to an outside linebacker.[4] In his new position he struggled covering the pass, so he wasn't used often.[5] The next year he was waived at the end of training camp, after the Cowboys drafted four linebackers in the 1984 NFL Draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Michael was claimed by the San Francisco 49ers who moved him to inside linebacker, as the backup of Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.
In 1985 he became a starter, showing the versatility to play 3 downs and also special teams. He would go on to have a 10-year career with the 49ers and lead the team in tackles in three consecutive seasons: 1987 (94), 1988 (97) and 1989 (103).
He retired at the end of the 1993 season, after winning three Super Bowls and playing 11 years in the NFL.
References
External links