Michael Walter (American football)


Michael David Walter is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Oregon.

Early years

Walter attended Sheldon High School, where he focused on basketball, playing just one year of football. He also practiced track. He was named the most valuable in the state's football All-star game.
He attended the University of Oregon where he was used as a linebacker, before being moved to defensive end as a sophomore.
As a senior, he became the first team captain in head coach Rich Brooks' first 6 years at Oregon. He registered 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He also played in the East–West Shrine Game and the Japan Bowl.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Walter was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft, with the intention of converting him into an outside linebacker. In his new position he struggled covering the pass, so he wasn't used often. On August 27, 1984, he was waived at the end of training camp, after the Cowboys drafted four linebackers in the 1984 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers

On August 28, 1984, he was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers who moved him to inside linebacker, as the backup of Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds.
In 1985, he became a starter, showing the versatility to play three downs on defense and also special teams. He would go on to have a 10-year career with the 49ers, while leading the team in tackles in three consecutive seasons: 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Walter wasn't re-signed for the 1994 season and was replaced by free agent Ken Norton Jr. He retired after winning three Super Bowls and playing 11 years in the NFL.

Personal life

After football, he worked at Oak Tree Insurance. He has two daughters—a doctor and a business development executive, named Sarah and Allison.