Mike Caldwell was a professional football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on April 23, 1963, in Sarasota, Florida, and attended the University of Florida, where he played college football for the Florida Gators.
Caldwell was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played for the Browns for four seasons, from 1985 to 1988, before being traded to the Baltimore Colts in 1989. He played for the Colts for two seasons, from 1989 to 1990, before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 1991.
Caldwell played for the Cardinals for four seasons, from 1991 to 1994, and was a key member of their defense. He recorded 100 or more tackles in each of his four seasons with the team and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1993. He also helped the Cardinals reach the playoffs in 1998, where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round.
After leaving the Cardinals, Caldwell played for the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons, from 1995 to 1996, and then for the Chicago Bears for one season, in 1997. He returned to the Cardinals in 1998 and played for them for two more seasons, from 1998 to 1999.
Caldwell finished his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, where he played for three seasons, from 2000 to 2002. He was a key member of the Panthers' defense and helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2003, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
Throughout his career, Caldwell was known for his toughness, durability, and leadership. He played in 195 games over 16 seasons and recorded 1,118 tackles, 32.5 sacks, and 14 interceptions. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1985.
After retiring from football, Caldwell worked as a high school football coach and a radio analyst for the Panthers. He also founded the Mike Caldwell Foundation, which provides scholarships and other support to underprivileged children in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida.
In conclusion, Mike Caldwell was a highly respected and accomplished football player who had a long and successful career in the NFL. He played for several teams over 16 seasons and was known for his toughness, durability, and leadership. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1985. After retiring from football, he continued to make a positive impact in his community through his foundation and his work as a coach and analyst.
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