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Famous Mormons in Football Page 3
 www.nflplayers.com | Reno Mahe Philadelphia Eagles | Reno Mahe played football at Brighton High School In Salt Lake City, Utah where he was named All-State twice. As a senior, he led his team to a 10-1 record and was chosen as the Gatorade Utah Player of the Year. He also earned team MVP, All-Region, and region MVP honors in his final high school season. He lettered in football three times, and in basketball two times. Although he was not drafted into the NFL, Mahe joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a rookie free agent and made the team's 2003 Opening Day roster. He switched from wide receiver to his original position, running back. In four seasons with the Eagles, he has seen limited action. He has played in 38 games in his NFL career, rushing 43 times for 178 yards and catching 27 passes for 196 yards. His major contributions for the Eagles have come on special teams. In 2005, he led the NFL in punt returning with 21 returns for 269 yards, an average of 12.8 yards per return.He became a local fan favorite in Philadelphia when he took on a part-time job at Chickie's and Pete's restaurant in the summer before a training camp. |
 | Brandon Manumaleuna Tight end St. Louis Rams | Drafted in the fourth round in 2001. |
 Photo: Nash Speaks | Trevor Matich Patriots Lions Jets Colts Redskins | He was a first round draft choice of the New England Patriots. In his NFL career he played seven different positions, starting at five of them. Now a color commentator on ESPN |
 | Itula Mili Tight end Seattle Seahawks | He played college football at BYU. His rookie year was 1998 In an interview with the Seattle Times, he talks about his mission to New Zealand and the importance of his LDS beliefs. When asked if he is "ever compromised at being a Mormon and a NFL player," He responded that he has discussions about religion with other players: "A lot of them hold a lot of stereotypes about my religion, but I like that because it gives me an opportunity to share the truth of what I believe in." Source: Seattle Times, 10 Oct 2000
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 | Christopher James Miller | He was born August 9, 1965 in Pomona, California, is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1st round (13th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. A 6'2", 212-lb. quarterback from the University of Oregon, Miller played in 10 NFL seasons from 1987-1995 and 1999. His best year as a pro came during the 1991 season for the Falcons when he threw for over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns. |
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Garrett Mills Vikings, Tulsa | Michael Garrett Mills was born the son of Michael and Billie Mills on Oct. 12, 1983 ... Earned conference academic honors all four seasons and CoSIDA Academic All-American accolades as a senior ... Both of his parents graduated from Tulsa, and his father played football at Tulsa ... A three-year starting tight end at Jenks (Okla.) High School, where he also lettered as a linebacker as a senior ... Selected as the Tulsa World Player of the Year as a senior and was a member of teams that posted a three-year record of 40- 1 and won three Class 6A state titles |
 | Scott Mitchell quarterback Miami Dolphins Detroit Lions Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals | "Scott Mitchell: Key is finding what works," by Tim Sullivan, Bengals Enquirer, 16 Nov 2000 |
 Photo: Sports Illustrated | Rob Morris linebacker Indianapolis Colts | Morris has cultivated and developed a reputation for being a little crazy, which helps in a position known for its gritty reputation. In a position known for its nastiness, a reputation for lunacy gives credibility to the idea that the player will do just about anything to win. One of his craziest stunts was when he and his roommates were in the Florida Everglades. He decided he wanted a picture of himself with an alligator, and jumped a fence to get a little closer. He soon found himself running from a 7-foot gator. "I never knew an alligator could move so well. But those suckers can run. It was all I could do to get away. It wasn't too comfortable being the 'chasee' instead of the chaser." Source: "BYU's Morris a bit crazy, and thankful for it," by Len Pasquarelli, SportsLine, 10 Apr 2000 "Colts get the man they want: LB Morris," Sports Illustrated, 15 Apr 2000
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 www.nfl.com |
Shawn Murphy Dolphins | Murphy is best known for being the son of former Atlanta Braves outfielder Dale Murphy. An intriguing late-round developmental prospect, Shawn Murphy consistently improved throughout his career with the Aggies despite switching positions between his junior and senior seasons. Having originally signed as a defensive end, Murphy made the transition to the offensive line after serving an LDS Mission and transferring first to Dixie State Junior College and finally Utah State. Despite good weight room strength, Murphy relies more on his athleticism and grit than strength at the point of attack. www.nfl.com |
 ESPN | Edwin Mulitalo guard Detroit Lions | He completed a two-year Mormon mission (1993-94). He started with the Baltimore Ravens in 1999. He plays Santa Claus (in the largest Santa suit made) at the children’s holiday party at St. Vincent’s Center in Timonium. He regularly works with youth groups through his church. He and his wife are the parents of a girl born in 2000.
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 sportsgrumblings.com | Haloti Ngata |
Haloti Ngata has been described as a quiet, but good-natured football
player, which is never a bad thing to see. With his size and the tools he
has, he will be a valuable pickup for any NFL franchise looking for a
high-flight DT to add to their roster. Barring future complications from his
previous knee surgery, he should be an NFL star for years to come. Coming
out of Camas High School in Washington, Kier was the only sophomore to start
for the Papermakers, making a huge contribution leading the team in tackles
and helping his team climb to a top ten finish in state. Kier was named to
the GSHL 2nd Team All-League team as a linebacker. Kier recorded 87 tackles
during his first year playing high-school ball as a varsity starter. |
 | Gifford Nielsen quarterback Houston Oilers | He played for the Oilers for six years from 1978-1983. He has an extensive sports background, having played professional football, college football and basketball. Giff attended Brigham Young University on a football and basketball scholarship. During his junior year, he turned his full attention to football as quarterback for the BYU Cougars. The Football Writers of America named him an All-American. The National Collegiate Athletic Association chose Giff as one of the top five scholar athletes and he recently received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award. www.khou.com |
 | Bart Oates offensive lineman San Francisco 49er's New York Giants | From Albany, Georgia. He first went to BYU in 1977. He served in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission. In 1980, he was back at BYU, protecting
Jim McMahon. In 1983, he earned his accounting degree from BYU. In 1985, he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent. In 1990, he earned a law degree from Seton Hall University. He played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1994-1995. |
 Photo: Hall of Fame | Merlin Olsen defensive tackle St. Louis Rams | He was the Ram's first-round draft pick in 1962. He was named to the Pro Bowl 14 consecutive times (a league-record). From 1966-1970 was part of the "Fearsome Foursome." They allowed fewer points than any defense in the NFL. In 1982, he was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His final season was 1976. After football, he worked for NBC as a
broadcaster and anactor (Little House on the Prairie). He has also been the national spokesman for FTD Florists since 1983. Source: Inter Speak |
 | Burgess Owens | Clarence Burgess Owens born August 2,1951 in Columbus, Ohio was a safety who played ten seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders. He was a part of the Raiders Super Bowl XV winning team. 1st Team All-American Defensive Back |
