Mike Reilly (1960s linebacker)

Mike Reilly
No. 62, 52
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born:(1942-03-27)March 27, 1942
Dubuque, Iowa, U.S.
Died:October 18, 2019(2019-10-18) (aged 77)
Dubuque, Iowa, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
College:Iowa
NFL draft:1964 / round: 4 / pick: 47
AFL draft:1964 / round: 5 / pick: 37
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Charles Michael Reilly (March 27, 1942 – October 18, 2019) was an American professional football player and broadcaster. A linebacker, he played college football at the University of Iowa and in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. He played for the 1969 NFL Champion Vikings squad that was defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV.[1][2]

Career

Reilly was born on March 27, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa to George and Theda Reilly. He was a football star at Dubuque Senior High School and was honored as an all-state player his senior year of 1959.[2]

Reilly attended the University of Iowa. He was an All-Big Ten and All-American at offensive guard in 1963. He was invited to play in the East–West Shrine Bowl and the Hula Bowl. At the 1964 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears selected him in the fourth round. The university planned "Mike Reilly Day" in his honor; but the event was cancelled after the assassination of John F. Kennedy[2]

He played six seasons with the Bears and was traded to the Dallas Cowboys after the 1969 NFL season. After the Cowboys released him, Reilly signed with the Minnesota Vikings. With the Vikings, he was a member of the 1969 NFL Champions that played in Super Bowl IV.[2]

After his playing career ended, Reilly went into banking.[2] He also worked as the color commentator for University of Iowa broadcasts for 25 years.[3]

Personal life

He married Mary Groff in 1964 and had three sons.

Reilly suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his later years. He died on October 18, 2019, in Dubuque.

References

  1. ^ "C. Michael "Mike" Reilly 1942 - 2019". Hoffman-Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Former Iowa football All-American, broadcaster Mike Reilly dies". The Gazette. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  3. ^ "Hawkeyes' Duncan puts his best foot forward". Quad Cities Times. October 20, 2019.