Biography
Mike Garrett, born on April 12, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL). He attended the University of Southern California, where he became a standout player, earning the Heisman Trophy in 1965. Garrett was known for his explosive speed and agility, attributes that propelled him to an illustrious college football career before transitioning to the professional ranks.
Garrett was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1966 NFL Draft, but he subsequently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played for the majority of his NFL career. During his tenure with the Chiefs, he was a key contributor to the team's offense, participating in Super Bowl I and earning Pro Bowl selections in 1968 and 1970. Garrett concluded his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, where he continued to demonstrate his versatility as a running back and a kick returner.
After retiring from professional football, Garrett remained influential in sports, serving in various administrative roles within athletics, including as the athletic director for the University of Southern California from 1993 to 2002. His impact on the game, both on and off the field, has solidified his legacy as one of the prominent figures in football history, particularly noted for his trailblazing accomplishments as an African American athlete in the 1960s. Garrett’s contributions have been recognized as instrumental in advancing the role of running backs in the NFL.