Mike Boren

Mike Boren is a former American football linebacker who played for the Michigan Wolverines from 1980 to 1983.

University of Michigan

Boren grew up in Columbus, Ohio where he attended Independence High School. Despite growing up in Columbus, Boren accepted a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan and play linebacker for Bo Schembechler.

Relationship with Bo Schembechler

While at Michigan, Boren became close with Coach Schembechler. In 1981, Sports Illustrated reported on an exchange between Boren and Schembechler. Boren walked into Bo's office, but before Boren could open his mouth, Bo spoke.
Bo: "Look at your hair."
Boren: "I was born with it like this."
Bo: "Naw, you got it all pushed up. You weren't born with it like that. It wasn't even like that when I met you. Get a haircut."
Boren: "Bo, it's only a half-inch long."
Bo: "Get a haircut. How much do you weigh?"
Boren: "Oh, 218, but I've been sick."
Bo: "You were 218 and sick last time you were in here."
Boren: "I'm a sick person."
Bo: "Get unsick."

In 2005, when Michigan offered a scholarship to Boren's son, Justin Boren, Schembechler thought there was nothing to discuss. "Bo just said, 'He's your son. You tell him where he's going to go,'" Boren said with a laugh. "But I told Bo, 'I'm not going to tell him where to go. He has to make this decision for himself.'"

By the fall of 2006, Justin Boren had joined the Wolverines. On November 16, 2006, Boren was in Ann Arbor with his son where they both attended Schembechler's final address to the team before the Ohio State game. According to Boren, the speech had a sense of urgency. "He pretty much delivered it, and the guys were going nuts. It's a scary thing, and I hate to say it, but I think Bo knew something was wrong." Schembechler collapsed and died of heart failure the next morning. After the 2007 season, Justin Boren quit the University of Michigan and transferred to Ohio State University.

Sixth among top tacklers in Michigan history

Boren went on to become one of the greatest linebacker's in Michigan history. His 212 career tackles ranks sixth in school history:
1. Jarrett Irons - 296 tackles (1993-1996)
2. Erick Anderson - 286 tackles (1988-1991)
3. Sam Sword - 265 tackles (1995-1998)
4. Ron Simpkins - 262 tackles (1976-1979)
5. Steve Morrison - 220 tackles (1990-1994)
6. Mike Boren - 212 tackles (1980-1983)
7. Mike Mallory - 211 tackles (1982-1985)
8. Paul Girgash - 206 tackles (1979-1982)
9. Victor Hobson - 205 tackles (1999-2002)
10. Calvin O'Neal - 180 tackles (1974-1976)

Boren's top games at Michigan

Boren had fifteen games at Michigan in which he had at least eight tackles. His best games at Michigan are as follows: 1. 1982 at Illinois: 14 tackles, 3 assists, 17 total
2. 1981 Navy: 13 tackles, 5 assists, 18 total
3. 1982 UCLA: 12 tackles, 6 assists, 18 total
4. 1982 Michigan State: 12 tackles, 5 assists, 17 total
5. 1982 Purdue: 10 tackles, 2 assists, 12 total
6. 1981 Ohio State: 9 tackles, 6 assists, 15 total
7. 1981 at Minnesota: 9 tackles, 1 assist, 10 total
8. 1981 Illinois: 9 tackles, 3 assists, 12 total
9. 1983 at Wisconsin: 9 tackles, 6 assists, 15 total
10. 1981 at Purdue 8 9 17

Life after University of Michigan

Boren had intended to play in the NFL some day, but a knee injury in his senior season ended his football playing career. "I took football for granted, and then when I didn't have football anymore, I about cried," Boren recalled. When he graduated from Michigan, he had a degree in education, but he had no desire to be a teacher or a coach. Instead, he became the owner of three businesses.

Life in Columbus as a "Traitor"

Boren returned to Columbus after graduating, a city where natives such as Boren who went north to play Michigan football are referred to (sometimes in jest, sometimes not) as "traitors." On living in Columbus, Boren said: "It's like being in the belly of the beast. In the (1990s) it was a great place to live. Now, it's been a little hectic. Hey, it's humbling."