Michael William Horan, known in the football world as Mike Horan, built a career as a punter in the National Football League (NFL) that spanned over a decade and a half. Born on February 1, 1959, in Orange, California, Horan attended Fullerton College before transferring to Long Beach State, where he honed his skills as a punter. His college career set the stage for his entry into professional football.
Horan entered the NFL when he was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 1982. However, it was with the Denver Broncos that he truly established himself. Joining the Broncos in 1986, Horan became a reliable presence on the team, contributing to their special teams unit with consistency and precision. His tenure with the Broncos coincided with one of the most successful periods in the franchise's history, as the team made multiple Super Bowl appearances during the late 1980s.
Throughout his time with the Broncos, Horan was known for his ability to execute punts that pinned opponents deep in their own territory, a skill that proved invaluable in tight games. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 1988, a testament to his standing among the league's elite punters at the time.
After his stint with the Broncos, Horan continued his career with the New York Giants, where he played from 1993 to 1994. He then moved to the St. Louis Rams, where he played from 1995 to 1997. During his time with the Rams, Horan continued to demonstrate his punting prowess, providing the team with a steady and experienced presence in the special teams unit.
Horan's career came full circle when he returned to the Falcons in 1998, the team that had initially given him his start in the NFL. He played with the Falcons for two seasons, concluding his professional career in 1999. Over the course of his career, Horan played in 239 games, a testament to his durability and skill as a punter.
In addition to his Pro Bowl selection, Horan's career was marked by his participation in three Super Bowls with the Broncos, although the team did not secure a victory in those appearances. Despite this, his contributions to the team's success during that era were widely recognized.
Mike Horan's career in the NFL is remembered for his consistency and reliability as a punter.
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