Michael Anthony Guendling (born June 18, 1962) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats.
| No. 53 | |||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | June 18, 1962 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | ||||
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 238 lb (108 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | St. Viator (IL) | ||||
| College: | Northwestern | ||||
| NFL draft: | 1984 / round: 2 / pick: 33 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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Early years
editGuendling attended St. Viator High School, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker.[1] He also practiced hockey.
He accepted a football scholarship from Northwestern University. He was named a starter at defensive back as a freshman. As a sophomore, he was moved to outside linebacker, to play in a 3-4 defense.
As a junior, he had 20 tackles (13 solo), helping the team beat Michigan State University and end a string off 44 consecutive road loses.
As a senior, he had 7 solo tackles (3 for loss), 2 sacks and 4 pass breakups in a 10-8 win against Indiana University. He finished second in school history with 29 career tackles for loss.[2] He also had 3 career interceptions.
Professional career
editGuendling was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1984 NFL draft.[3] As a rookie, he was lost for the season after suffering a broken kneecap and knee ligament damage during training camp in July, which forced him to have 3 knee surgeries.[1]
In 1985, he returned to play in 9 games, limited mostly to special teams and had 7 tackles. In 1986, he suffered an ankle injury.[4] He wasn't able to regain his previous form after his knee injury and was waived on August 20.[5]
Personal life
editHis son Brian played college football at Texas State University.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c Cobbs, Chris (August 1, 1985). "He Won't Skate Through This Camp : Charger Mike Guendling Has Task of Rehabilitating Knee". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Northwestern". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "1984 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- ^ "Surprise: Coryell Looking to the Air : Charger Coach May Use His Running Backs as Receivers". Los Angeles Times. June 1986. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Transactions". Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "With a little 'Uptown Funk,' a college player is inspiring hearing-impaired". Retrieved January 12, 2019.