Mike Connelly

For other people of that name, see Michael Connelly (disambiguation).

Michael James Connelly (born October 16, 1935) is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Utah State University and was drafted in the 12th round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

Early years

He attended Pasadena High School. After a 2-year stint with the United States Marine Corps, he went on to play at Utah State University from 1958 to 1959, where he was a two-way player, center/guard on offense and linebacker on defense. He garnered All-Skyline conference honors as a senior.

Professional career

Los Angeles Rams

Connelly was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 12th round of the 1959 NFL Draft and was also offered a contract to play with the Buffalo Bills of the AFL. He was released by the Rams at the end of the 1960 preseason.

Dallas Cowboys

He was claimed by the Dallas Cowboys on September 9, 1960. He started as a backup guard, before being switched over to center in 1961, becoming the starter there for four years. Connelly was very quick for his position and as an avid weightlifter, also became one of the strongest players on the team.

In 1965 after Dave Manders won the starting position, he started to serve as a backup center and guard. An injury to Manders put Connelly back in the starting lineup during all of the 1967 season, which included the Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, popularly known as the Ice Bowl.

He reported to training camp in 1968 and told head coach Tom Landry that he'd only play one more year. The next day he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for kicker Mike Clark.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Connelly true to his word, played only in the 1968 season before retiring.

External links

• Former Dallas Cowboy Mike Connelly stays centered for the long run