Hall of Fame
Position: Guard
Years: 1950-1952
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA
Date of Birth: Feb 15, 1931
Place of Death: Kingsport, TN
Date of Death: Jan. 10, 2019
Jersey Number: 38
Height: 5-10
Weight: 195
High School: Philadelphia, PA (West Catholic HS)
John Michels, who wore No. 38, was a 1952 consensus All-American and a two-time All-SEC First Team selection at offensive guard. He helped lead the Vols to the consensus national championship and a 10-0 regular season in 1951. The Vols' offense rushed for 3,068 yards (306.8 yards per game) and 40 touchdowns – both school records – in 1951.
During his senior season in 1952, Michels was awarded the Jacobs Trophy, given to the SEC's best blocker. In his three years of varsity football, Tennessee compiled a record of 29-4-1 and went to three bowl games, including a win over Texas in the 1951 Cotton Bowl.
His bio in the 1952 Tennessee football media guide stated Michels was "considered by the coaching staff to be the finest offensive guard in Tennessee football history."
Additionally, legendary former Tennessee head coach Gen. Robert R. Neyland said Michels was the "best blocking guard in the United States."
A Philadelphia native, Michels went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL in 1953 and serve as a lieutenant in the Army from 1954-56 before spending one season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL in 1957. He was an assistant coach at Texas A&M for one season, and helped the Blue Bombers capture three CFL Grey Cups as assistant coach.
Michels served as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings for 27 years, coaching primarily the offensive line and helping lead the team to four Super Bowl appearances.
Michels was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
Michels passed away Jan. 10, 2019. He was 87.
