Mike Phipps

Bio

A high school All-America, Mike Phipps had the difficult task of replacing Hall of Famer Bob Griese as the Purdue quarterback. In his first two games, he showed that he would be a more than adequate replacement. In his first game he beat Texas A&M, a team that would go on to win the Cotton Bowl. His second game put him on the cover of Sports Illustrated as he threw for two scores over top-ranked Notre Dame. That 1967 sophomore season ended with Purdue as Big Ten tri-champions. The next year was highlighted with a win over Notre Dame in a number one vs. number two matchup. An ankle injury midway through the season caused him to miss three games and limit his productivity. Fully healthy for his senior year, he became a unanimous All-America and the Heisman Trophy runner-up. He was named to his second All-Big Ten team and was the conference MVP. On the season he threw for 23 touchdowns and once again led the Boilermakers to a win over Notre Dame. The highlight of the year may have been his duel with Jim Plunkett of Stanford when Phipps threw five touchdown passes and led Purdue back from a two score deficit in the fourth quarter. In addition to his abilities on the field he was an Academic All-America and an NCAA Post Graduate scholarship recipient. Phipps was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft as the third overall selection by Cleveland. He played for 12 professional season with the Browns and Chicago Bears.

Career Highlights

• 1969 Academic All-America
• 1969 All-Conference
• 1969 Conference MVP
• 1969 Heisman - Second
• 1969 NCAA Post Graduate Scholar
• 1969 Unanimous All-America
• 1967 All-Conference