Michael Niese is a testament to perseverance and hard work. The 26-year-old offensive lineman has overcome many challenges and obstacles to make it to the league, and he is still fighting for his spot on the Detroit Lions roster. This is his story.
Michael Henry Niese was born on January 13, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a large and supportive family, with two brothers, a sister, and his parents John and Shelia.
Michael-Niese was signed to Detroit LionsImage Source: Instagram He developed a passion for football at a young age and started playing the sport in elementary school. He idolized Chris Long, a former St. Louis Rams defensive end and fellow St. Louis native.
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Niese attended St. Louis University High School, where he was a standout player on both sides of the ball. He played offensive tackle, defensive end, and tight end, and earned All-State and All-Metro honors as a senior. He also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and a National Merit Scholarship.
Niese had several offers from Division I schools, but he chose to attend the University of Dayton, a Division I FCS program. He wanted to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, and he felt that Dayton offered the best balance of academics and athletics. He redshirted his freshman year and then became a starter at left tackle for the next three seasons. He was a dominant force on the offensive line, earning All-Pioneer Football League honors twice and helping the Flyers win two conference titles.
After graduating from Dayton in December 2019, Niese decided to transfer to Temple University for his final year of eligibility. He wanted to test himself against a higher level of competition, and he also wanted to pursue a master’s degree in engineering management.
Michael joined the Temple Owls as a graduate transfer and started all eight games at right guard in the 2020 season. He was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team, and impressed scouts with his versatility and toughness.
Despite his promising college career, Niese was not invited to the NFL Combine or any major all-star games. He had to rely on his pro-day performance to showcase his skills and measurables. He measured at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds and ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash. He also put up 23 reps on the bench press and displayed good agility and footwork in drills.
Michael-Niese with his whole teamImage Source: Instagram However, Niese was still overlooked in the 2022 NFL Draft and went undrafted. He signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent, hoping to make the team as a backup lineman. He faced a crowded and competitive depth chart and was ultimately waived by the Broncos at the end of the preseason.
Michael Niese inked a one-year deal worth $795,000 with the Detroit Lions, featuring an annual average salary matching that figure. For the year 2024, Niese's contract entails a base salary and cap hit of $795,000 each.
Niese has faced his fair share of injuries and setbacks in his football career. He suffered a torn ACL in his junior year of high school, which required surgery and a lengthy recovery. He also dealt with a shoulder injury in his senior year of college, which limited his effectiveness and production.
However, Niese has never let these challenges deter him from his goals. He has always worked hard to rehab his injuries, and to improve his skills and knowledge of the game.
He has also maintained a positive attitude and a humble demeanor and has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. He has always been grateful for every opportunity he has received and has never taken anything for granted.
Niese comes from a family of engineers and football players. His father, John, is a mechanical engineer who works for Boeing, and his mother, Shelia, is a civil engineer who works for the city of St. Louis. His older brothers, David and Daniel, are also engineers, and his sister, Mary Beth, is a nurse.
Michael-Niese with his family Image Source: Instagram His grandfather, Henry, was a football player at Notre Dame, and his uncle, Mike, played in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Niese inherited his family’s love for engineering and football and has pursued both with passion and excellence. He is proud of his family’s legacy and hopes to continue it in his way. He is also grateful for his family’s support and encouragement and considers them his biggest fans and role models.
Niese is not married and does not have any children. He is currently single and focused on his football career and his education. He is close with his family and often visits them in St. Louis during the offseason. He is also friends with many of his former and current teammates and keeps in touch with them regularly.
Niese is a devout Catholic and attends mass every week. He credits his faith for giving him strength and guidance in his life. He is also involved in various charitable and community activities and volunteers his time and resources to help others in need. He is especially passionate about supporting youth sports and education programs and inspiring the next generation of athletes and engineers.
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