Mike Clark (placekicker)


Michael Vincent Clark was an American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. He played college football at Texas A&M University.

Early years

Clark attended Longview High School before moving on to Texas A&M University. He had never tried kicking a field goal until being on the freshman team. He became the starter after one game, when the player in front of him was injured while trying to break up a wedge on special teams. He played under head coach Jim Myers.

Professional career

Philadelphia Eagles

Clark was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent after the 1963 NFL Draft. He was mainly a kickoff specialist until 1964, when he was sold to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers

In 1963, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Clark after deciding to trade Lou Michaels to the Baltimore Colts. His best season was in 1966, when he registered 97 points. The next year, he was named to the Pro Bowl after scoring 71 points. He led the team in scoring in each of his four seasons with the Steelers.
On July 16, 1968, he announced his retirement. The Dallas Cowboys convinced him to play in his home state and traded center Mike Connelly to the Steelers in exchange for his rights.

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

In 1968, he replaced a retired Danny Villanueva, becoming the first Aggie to play for the Cowboys and was second in the NFL with 105 points scored. The next year, he was again second in the league with 103 points, while establishing a franchise record with 20 field goals. Although he is mostly remembered for a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns, where he received an offside penalty for whiffing on an onside kick and when he attempted a second try, he received another penalty because the onside kick did not travel the required 10 yards.
In 1970, he played a key part in winning 6-2 in the thirteen game against the Cleveland Rams and 5-0 in the divisional playoff against the Detroit Lions. In 1971, he was passed on the depth chart by Toni Fritsch and sent to the taxi squad for two games, before Fritsch pulled a hamstring and he regained the starting job. He also set a franchise record with 99 consecutive extra points made. He was waived on September 6, 1972.

Buffalo Bills

In September 1972, Clark was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. He was injured during the season and was eventually released on August 30, 1973.

New England Patriots

He was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots and was eventually cut by the team on September 11, 1973.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

On October 26, 1973, he signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in four games and retired at the end of the season after not being able to recover from a broken leg.

Personal life

Clark worked for Lockheed Martin. He died of a heart attack at Baylor University Medical Center. He was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 1998.