Mikhael Ricks

Mikhael Roy Ricks (born November 14, 1974 in Galveston, Texas) is a former National Football League tight end/wide receiver (1998–2004). He was 6'5" and weighed 260 pounds. He started playing football in 5th grade. He was on a Pop Warner team named the Anahuac Wildcats.

Mikhael attended Anahuac High School in Anahuac, Texas. He went to college at Stephen F. Austin State University. He was drafted in round 2 of the 1998 amateur draft by the San Diego Chargers. He played in 16 games in his first season with the Chargers. He had 30 receptions for 450 yards, maintaining a 15.0 yards per reception average. He scored 2 touchdowns. In 1999, he had 40 receptions for 429 yards and a 10.7 yards per reception and no touchdowns. In 2000, he only played 2 games, had three receptions for 35 yards (an 11.7 yards per reception average) and scored no touchdowns.

Next season he played for the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 16 games and had 18 receptions for 252 yards. He had 14.0 yards per reception and scored a touchdown. This is where he made his transition from WR to TE. He was a backup for Tony Gonzalez. In the next two seasons, he played for the Detroit Lions. In 2002 he played in 14 games. He had 27 receptions for 339 yards, an average of 12.6 yards per catch, and had three touchdowns. His yards per catch average was tied for best in the league for tight ends and he was named to the Pro Bowl. In 2003, he played in 16 games and had 37 receptions for 434 yards, for an average of 11.7 yards per catch, and scored two touchdowns.

Mikhael no longer plays in the NFL, he retired in 2004 to try different ventures in life. After venturing into the world of marketing and real estate he chose a new career path at Velocity Sports as a "Sports Performance Coach". Mikhael worked with numerous athletes from the ages of 8 years old up to Adults in helping them get faster, stronger and improve there overall health. Mikhael has mastered training football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, rugby and track athletes in helping them receive scholarships and getting into professional sports. In 2007 Mikhael helped the Poway freshman football team to an undefeated record by exposing the football to a strength and conditioning program that he used in college and on the professional level. In 2009 Mikhael eventually moved to Florida where he is now known as one of the top fitness trainers in South Florida and trains elite athletes, celebrities and television personalities.

Mikhael is certified through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) along with mastering The TRX Suspension training system and Kettlebell techniques. Mikhael also started his own Fitness and Sports Performance company named Mr. Sports Performance (www.mrsportsperformance.com / www.mikhaelricks.com) where he in conjunction with his Personal Training runs bootcamps and Group Classes. His aspirations are to open and run his own athletic facility and gym to help athletes and the general population get into the best shape of their life.

Mikhael's hobbies include playing golf,strength and conditioning training and doing Tough Mudder competitions.

Mikhael now resides in Miami with his wife (Kristi) and his daughter (Kiera).

There is a street in the town he grew up in (Anahuac, Texas) named after him.