Mike Montler

Michael R. Montler (January 11, 1944 – December 13, 2018) was an American football offensive lineman who played ten seasons in the American Football League and in the National Football League for the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and the Detroit Lions.

Mike Montler
Born:(1944-01-11)January 11, 1944
Columbus, Ohio
Died:December 13, 2018(2018-12-13) (aged 74)
Grand Junction, Colorado
Career information
Position(s)Center
CollegeColorado
NFL draft1969 / Round: 2 / Pick 32
Career history
As player
1969Boston Patriots (AFL)
1970–1972Boston/New England Patriots
1973–1976Buffalo Bills
1977Denver Broncos
1978Detroit Lions

University of Colorado

Montler played college football at the University of Colorado where he was All-American in 1968.

Buffalo Bills

In 1973, his fifth year in the NFL, he became the starting center of the Bills,[1] replacing Remi Prudhomme, splitting time with Bruce Jarvis, centering between Reggie McKenzie at left guard and Hall-of-Famer Joe DeLamielleure at right guard, for a fine 9-5 team, when O.J. Simpson became the first running back to rush for over 2,000 yards. In 1974, Montler won the job away from Jarvis, starting in all 14 games for another 9-5 season.[2] The Bills lost ground in 1975 with a won-lost record of 8-6, despite having the best offense in the entire NFL with 420 points (30.0 points/game). For the second year in a row, Montler played all 14 games between McKenzie and DeLamielleure in the stout middle of the Bills offensive line.[3] Although the same trio played together in all 14 games in 1976,[4] the team sagged to 2-12, an offense worth 20th place in scoring and a defense 24th in points allowed. Montler was replaced by 5-year pro Willie Parker (offensive lineman).[5]

Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions

Montler became the starting center for the Denver Broncos in 1977 for all 14 games and the Detroit Lions in 1978, but only in 4 games.

Death

Montler died on December 13, 2018, aged 74 in Grand Junction, Colorado.[6]

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References
  1. "1973 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. "1974 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. "1975 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  4. "1976 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  5. "1977 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  6. Northrop, Milt; Carucci, Vic (2018-12-18). "Bills' Electric Company center Mike Montler dies at age 74". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2018-12-19.
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