Mike Michel was born in Ventura, California and graduated from Buena High School in 1972. He attended Ventura College and graduated from Stanford University in 1977 with a BA in Human Biology.

While at Buena he played outside linebacker and slotback, playing on teams coached by Mac Uhl and Hank Ertman. It was during his senior year that he became interested in kicking the football. He helped lead the 1971 Varsity to a 10-0 record before losing to El Rancho in the second round of the CIF playoffs and was all Channel League First Team and all CIF Second Team as a kicker.

Following his desire to pursue a football career he attended Ventura College where he was the punter and kicker, as well as starting al strong safety. He was third in the nation in interceptions in his sophomore year. He received All American honors and was first team all WSC and carried a 42.8 yard punting average with the longest being a 47 yarder against Moorpark. He received a full ride scholarship in 1975 to Stanford University where he competed for two years.

As a kicker in his senioryear he was UP! All West Coast and first team PAC 8 and was selected for the Blue / Gray Classic in Montgomery, Alabama where he set a record for the longest field goal (44 yards)

He was selected for the East / West Shrine game. the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl. In the Shrine game he set two records, one for the longest field goal (49 yards) and most field goals made—(3). It was at Stanford that things started to happen which ultimately led to a first choice pick in the 5th round of the NFL by the Miami Dolphins.

He ended up 4th in punting average his first year in the AFC, kicked two field goals and one extra point in his professional debul against Tampa Bay. A 1978 season leg injury led to a trade to the Philadelphia Eagles and then on to the Washington Redskins in 1980. He was released after two games with the Redskins in 1980.

Mike then became a special Team and kicker assistant at Ventura College and has continued that role on and off for the last six years.

He is currently a real estate broker and resides in Ventura with his
wife Rhonda