National Football Foundation

A four-year performer on Hampton’s defensive line, Michael Bland led the Pirates to a 34-13 record, two MEAC titles, two appearances in the Division I-AA Playoffs, a 24-3 victory in the 1999 Heritage Bowl and a Black College National Championship in 1997. Named the team’s most improved player after the 1997 national championship season, he was a Second Team All-MEAC selection in 1998. Bland continued to garner honors in his junior season as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year and being named Third Team All-America and First Team All-MEAC. The recipient of the MEAC Student-Athlete Award in 1999, he was a member of the Dean’s List. Bland earned his J.D. from both Syracuse University and Howard University in 2002 and 2004, respectively. He is the owner of A-1 Rapid Response Restoration in Madison, Mississippi.