Mike Witteck
{{Short description|American football player (1964–1990)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Mike Witteck
| image = Mike Witteck.JPG
| caption = Witteck in 1987
| number = 55
| position = Linebacker
| birth_date = {{birth date|1964|2|21}}
| birth_place = Queens, New York, U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|1990|3|15|1964|2|21}}
| death_place = Floral Park, New York, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 225
| high_school = Valley Stream North
(Franklin Square, New York])
| college = Northwestern
| undraftedyear = 1986
| pastteams =
- Washington Commandos ({{AFL Year|1987}})
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|1987}})
| status =
| pfr = W/WittMi20
| afl = Michael_Witteck-1743
| highlights =
}}
Michael Robert Witteck (February 21, 1964 – March 15, 1990) was an American professional football linebacker who played one season with the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northwestern University. He was also a member of the Washington Commandos of the Arena Football League (AFL).
Early life and college
Michael Robert Witteck was born on February 21, 1964, in Queens, New York.{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittMi20.htm | title=Mike Witteck | publisher=Pro Football Reference | accessdate=28 February 2025}} He attended Valley Stream North High School in Franklin Square, New York.{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/w/witt01000.html | title=Mike Witteck | publisher=Pro Football Archives | accessdate=28 February 2025}}
Witteck was a two-year letterman for the Northwestern Wildcats of Northwestern University from 1984 to 1985. He recorded two interceptions for 71 yards and one touchdown his senior year in 1985.{{cite web | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/mike-witteck-1.html | title=Mike Witteck | publisher=Sports Reference | accessdate=28 February 2025}}
Professional career
Witteck played in four games for the Washington Commandos of the Arena Football League (AFL) during the league's inaugural season in 1987, totaling 14 solo tackles, four assisted tackles , two sacks, four pass breakups, and one blocked kick.{{cite web | url=https://www.arenafan.com/players/Michael_Witteck-1743/ | title=Michael Witteck | publisher=ArenaFan.com | accessdate=28 February 2025}} He was a fullback/linebacker during his time in the AFL as the league played under ironman rules. Witteck was named second-team All-Arena for his performance during the 1987 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.arenafan.com/players/?page=players&player=1743&pageview=bio | title=Michael Witteck - Awards | publisher=ArenaFan.com | accessdate=28 February 2025}}
On September 23, 1987, Witteck signed with the New York Jets during the 1987 NFL players strike. He played in all three strike games for the Jets before being released on October 19, 1987, after the strike ended.{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactions/w/witt01000.html | title=Mike Witteck NFL Transactions | publisher=Pro Football Archives | accessdate=28 February 2025}} After his release, Witteck said he had no regrets and that he would be going to Hawaii for a vacation.{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/166874395/ | title=Changing scene at Jet camp | work=Daily News | date=October 20, 1987 | accessdate=28 February 2025 | author=Bondy, Filip}}
Personal life
Witteck died on March 15, 1990, in Floral Park, New York.
References
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Witteck, Mike}}
Category:American football linebackers
Category:Northwestern Wildcats football players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Washington Commandos players
Category:Players of American football from Queens, New York
Category:People from Franklin Square, New York