Mike Utley: Former Detroit Lions Player Fights to Find a Cure For Paralysis!

by

This week I talk with former Detroit Lions player, Mike Utley. Mike suffered a neck injury on November 17, 1991, during a game, resulting in paralysis. However, he did not let this define his life over the past 30 years. Mike has lived his best life, aiming towards the goal of getting out of his chair and walking out of Ford’s Field in the future.

As a Detroit Lions fan born in 1985, this was one of the first “vivid memories” I had of watching football.  It’s hard not to initially feel bad for Mike, but I’m telling you, he is a determined individual that will be the first to tell you he “has no regrets.”  I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Mike (well beyond just the football reminiscing). 

Below are some of the topics we get into:

  • Remembering what his teammates meant to him (and the Lomas Brown “Thumbs Up” speech the Thanksgiving after his injury
  • We go back to relive some of his earliest memories of playing football (and other sports), including sharing his true role models – Mike’s parents
  • What the process was like for him transitioning from High School to College (Washington State University), and then being drafted #3 in the 3rd round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions
  • His memories of Thanksgiving at the Pontiac Silverdome
  • How it’s pretty cool to have a football card, something he got after he was injured
  • We reminisce the first time he walked on national television and the story behind it
  • Mike shares why he started the Mike Utley Foundation, the purpose, and how you can get involved
  • His advice to anyone going through this type of injury, as well as the friends and family members of an injured person
  • Much more…..take a listen to the podcast and watch some YouTube videos below

SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW THE FOOTBALL HISTORY DUDE FOR FREE ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER

Mike Utley (Bio Provided By Mike Utley Foundation)

This week I talk with former Detroit Lions player, Mike Utley. Mike suffered a neck injury on November 17, 1991, during a game, resulting in paralysis. However, he did not let this define his life over the past 30 years. Mike has lived his best life, aiming towards the goal of getting out of his chair and walking out of Ford’s Field in the future. As a Detroit Lions fan born in 1985, this was one of the first “vivid memories” I had of watching football.  It’s hard not to initially feel bad for Mike, but I’m telling you, he is a determined individual that will be the first to tell you he “has no regrets.”  I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Mike (well beyond just the football reminiscing).  Below are some of the topics we get into:
  • Remembering what his teammates meant to him (and the Lomas Brown “Thumbs Up” speech the Thanksgiving after his injury
  • We go back to relive some of his earliest memories of playing football (and other sports), including sharing his true role models – Mike’s parents
  • What the process was like for him transitioning from High School to College (Washington State University), and then being drafted #3 in the 3rd round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions
  • His memories of Thanksgiving at the Pontiac Silverdome
  • How it’s pretty cool to have a football card, something he got after he was injured
  • We reminisce the first time he walked on national television and the story behind it
  • Mike shares why he started the Mike Utley Foundation, the purpose, and how you can get involved
  • His advice to anyone going through this type of injury, as well as the friends and family members of an injured person
  • Much more…..take a listen to the podcast and watch some YouTube videos below
SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW THE FOOTBALL HISTORY DUDE FOR FREE ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER

Mike Utley (Bio Provided By Mike Utley Foundation)

College / Bowl Games

1984 – Mike Utley received a scholarship to Washington State University in Pullman, WA.
  • Coca Cola Bowl – Tokyo, Japan (1987)
  • Aloha Bowl (1988) – Named MVP
  • Hula Bowl (1989)
  • East West Shrine Game (1989)
He became only the second player in WSU history to earn NCAA consensus first team all-American honors. 

NFL Career / Injury

In 1989 Mike Utley was drafted 3rd pick in the third round by the Detroit Lions and in his rookie year became the starting right guard. On November 17, 1991 while playing against the Los Angeles Rams Mike fractured his 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae and became instantly paralyzed.

Mike Utley Foundation

The Mike Utley Foundation was created in 1992.  It was established to provide financial support for research, rehabilitation and education for Spinal Cord Injuries. The Foundation is also dedicated in providing motivational and emotional support for the individuals and their families who face this devastating condition.  HEAD HERE TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION

Awards and Media

Since 1992 Mike has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Walter Camp Man of the Year Award; Ed Block Courage Award; Shoemaker Award; the Gene Autry Courage Award; the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Courage Award; Detroit Lions Spirit Award; Against all Odds Award; The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award, and inducted into the 2016 College Football Hall of Fame to name a few. Mike has appeared as a guest on many different shows such as Jim Rome’s nationally syndicated Sports Talk Show, Good Morning America, ESPN’s Portraits of Courage” Inside the NFL, Up Close with Chris Meyers, NBC’s Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, American Journal, the sports cover of USA Today, and was featured in People magazine.  Mike’s courageous life was chronicled on OLN’s Emmy nominated series, “Fearless”, “Crunch” on the Discovery Channel, and “Giving is Good” on Associated Television International. Please note – As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Share on facebook Share Share on twitter Tweet Share on linkedin Share Share on pinterest Pin

College / Bowl Games

1984 – Mike Utley received a scholarship to Washington State University in Pullman, WA.

  • Coca Cola Bowl – Tokyo, Japan (1987)
  • Aloha Bowl (1988) – Named MVP
  • Hula Bowl (1989)
  • East West Shrine Game (1989)

He became only the second player in WSU history to earn NCAA consensus first team all-American honors. 

NFL Career / Injury

In 1989 Mike Utley was drafted 3rd pick in the third round by the Detroit Lions and in his rookie year became the starting right guard.

On November 17, 1991 while playing against the Los Angeles Rams Mike fractured his 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae and became instantly paralyzed.

Mike Utley Foundation

The Mike Utley Foundation was created in 1992.  It was established to provide financial support for research, rehabilitation and education for Spinal Cord Injuries. The Foundation is also dedicated in providing motivational and emotional support for the individuals and their families who face this devastating condition. 

HEAD HERE TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION

Awards and Media

Since 1992 Mike has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Walter Camp Man of the Year Award; Ed Block Courage Award; Shoemaker Award; the Gene Autry Courage Award; the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Courage Award; Detroit Lions Spirit Award; Against all Odds Award; The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award, and inducted into the 2016 College Football Hall of Fame to name a few.

Mike has appeared as a guest on many different shows such as Jim Rome’s nationally syndicated Sports Talk Show, Good Morning America, ESPN’s Portraits of Courage” Inside the NFL, Up Close with Chris Meyers, NBC’s Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, American Journal, the sports cover of USA Today, and was featured in People magazine.  Mike’s courageous life was chronicled on OLN’s Emmy nominated series, “Fearless”, “Crunch” on the Discovery Channel, and “Giving is Good” on Associated Television International.

Please note – As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin

3 thoughts on “Mike Utley: Former Detroit Lions Player Fights to Find a Cure For Paralysis!”

  1. Pingback: A Short History of the Dayton Triangles

  2. I still remember that day Mike Utley. I have always loved football and still do at 82.
    Many prayers were sent from me to God that you would have a good life.
    I guess with that coach just dying it reminded me of that horrendous day.
    It really hurt me that he never reached out to you, seeing it was one of his players that caused your injury.
    You may be surprised that I am a female but always loved sports!
    I hope night-train Lane soon roots for the Lions.

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League

Leave a Comment