Mike Daniels is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for several years. He was born on May 5, 1989, in Stratford, New Jersey, and attended Highland Regional High School, where he played football as a defensive tackle.
After high school, Daniels went on to play college football at the University of Iowa, where he was a standout defensive lineman. He played in 50 games for the Hawkeyes, recording 159 tackles, 20 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2011 and was also a team captain during his senior year.
In the 2012 NFL Draft, Daniels was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Packers' defense, playing in all 16 games as a rookie and recording two sacks. Over the next several years, Daniels continued to be a force on the defensive line, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017.
During his time with the Packers, Daniels played in 102 games, recording 29 sacks, 235 tackles, and one interception. He was known for his toughness and tenacity on the field, as well as his leadership in the locker room.
In 2019, Daniels signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions, where he played in nine games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, where he played in 11 games and recorded one sack and 17 tackles.
After the 2020 season, Daniels became a free agent and did not sign with a team for the 2021 season. In August 2021, he announced his retirement from the NFL, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests.
Overall, Mike Daniels had a successful career in the NFL, earning recognition as one of the league's top defensive linemen during his time with the Packers. He was known for his hard work, dedication, and leadership, and will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field.
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