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Lou Michaels

Tackle

Inducted 1992

Date of Birth

9/28/1935

Birthplace

Swoyersville, PA

School

University of Kentucky (1955-1957)

Bio

Lou Michaels played tackle for Kentucky from 1955 through 1957, was a consensus All-America the last two years, and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern Conference in 1957. This MVP award, given by the Nashville Banner, is decided by a vote of the coaches. It started in 1933 and in its first 50 years only one tackle - Michaels - won it. Also in 1957, the Washington Touchdown Club made him Lineman of the Year. He was fourth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1957. Michaels was named the outstanding lineman in the Southeastern Conference twice - by the Birmingham Touchdown Club in 1956 and the Atlanta Touchdown Club in 1957. He did some of Kentucky's punting and place kicking. His place kicks included one field goal and 13 extra points in his career. Kentucky retired his jersey, number 79, in 1990. Michaels played professionally for 14 years, 1958-1971, with the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Colts and Green Bay Packers. His brother Walter, played football at Washington and Lee and then had a 12-year pro career.