Mike Singletary

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Michael Singletary (born October 9, 1958 in Houston, Texas) is a former linebacker in American football who played his entire career for the Chicago Bears in the NFL, after starring in college at Baylor University.

[edit] At Baylor

Singletary was the only college junior to be selected to the All-SWC Team of the 1970s, Singletary earned All-America honors in both junior and senior years at Baylor, where he averaged 15 tackles per game and established a team record with 232 tackles in 1978.

[edit] A Bears Legend

Singletary became a starter in the Bears lineup in the seventh game of his rookie season (1981). In a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, his third as a starter, Singletary put on a remarkable defensive performance recording 10 tackles and forcing a fumble. A nearly unanimous all-rookie selection, Singletary went on to start 172 games for the Bears during his 12-year career, which is the second most in club history.

An intense player, Mike finished as the Bears' first or second leading tackler each of his last 11 seasons. He amassed as impressive 1,488 career tackles, 885 of which were solo efforts. A constant force on defense, he missed playing just two games, both in 1986. He also recorded 7 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries.

In a game against the Denver Broncos in 1990 he had a personal-best performance when he recorded 10 solo tackles and 10 assists. Selected to play in a teamrecord 10 Pro Bowls, Singletary was All-Pro eight times, and All-NFC every year from 1983 to 1991.

He earned the nickname "Samurai Mike" during his professional career in recognition of the intimidating focus and intensity he displayed on the field. He was also known as "the Minister of Defense," since he is also an ordained minister. (For the same reason, the nickname would later be given to Reggie White.)

He led the Bears to a magnificent 15-1 season in 1985, his Bears would eventually go all the way to win Super Bowl XX by beating the New England Patriots 46-10. In the game, Singletary tied a Super Bowl record with 2 fumble recoveries.

Singletary was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press in 1985 and 1988. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. In 1999, he was ranked number 56 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

[edit] Post-Playing Career

In 2003, Singletary became linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens (pairing Singletary with Ray Lewis). Following the 2004 season, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as assistant head coach and linebackers coach.

[edit] External links

• Career Stats
• Pro Football Hall of Fame
• College Football Hall of Fame
• 49ers Official Site - hiring of Singletary