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Changes: Mike Furrey

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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
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{{Infobox NFL player
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{{Infobox NFL biography
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|name=Mike Furrey
  
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|image=Mike Furrey 2003.jpg
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| name = Mike Furrey
  ⚫
| image = Mike Furrey 2003.jpg
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|image_size=150
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| image_size = 150
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|caption=
  
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| caption = Furrey with the [[St. Louis Rams]]
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|currentnumber=82, 87, 88
  
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| current_team = Chicago Bears
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|currentpositionplain=[[Wide receiver]] / [[Safety (American football position)|Safety]]
  
  +
| number = <!-- 82, 25, 87, 88 -->
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|birth_date={{birth date and age|1977|3|12}}
  
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| position = Wide receivers coach
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|birth_place=[[Galion, Ohio]]
  
  ⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|3|12}}
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|heightft=6
  
  ⚫
| birth_place = [[Galion, Ohio]]
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|heightin=0
  
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| height_ft = 6
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|weight=195
  
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| height_in = 0
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|debutyear=2001
  
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| weight_lbs = 195
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|debutteam=Las Vegas Outlaws
  
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| high_school = [[Hilliard Davidson High School|Hilliard Davidson]]<br/>([[Hilliard, Ohio]])
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|finalyear=2009
  
  ⚫
| college = [[Northern Iowa Panthers football|Northern Iowa]]
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|finalteam=Cleveland Browns
  
  ⚫
| undraftedyear = 2000
⚫
|college=[[Ohio State University]]/[[Northern Iowa Panthers football|Northern Iowa]]
  
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| pastteams =
⚫
|undraftedyear=2000
  
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|pastteams=<nowiki></nowiki>
  
 
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{NFL Year|2000}})*
  
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{NFL Year|2000}})*
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* [[Las Vegas Outlaws]] ([[XFL#2001 season|2001]])
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* [[Las Vegas Outlaws (XFL)|Las Vegas Outlaws]] ([[XFL#2001 season|2001]])
 
* [[New York Dragons]] ({{AFL Year|2002}}–{{AFL Year|2003}})
  
* [[New York Dragons]] ({{AFL Year|2002}}–{{AFL Year|2003}})
 
* [[St. Louis Rams]] ({{NFL Year|2003}}–{{NFL Year|2005}})
  
* [[St. Louis Rams]] ({{NFL Year|2003}}–{{NFL Year|2005}})
 
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2008}})
  
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2008}})
 
* [[Cleveland Browns]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
  
* [[Cleveland Browns]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
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* [[Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2010}}&ndash;{{NFL Year|2011}})*
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* [[Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2010}})*
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| pastteamsnote = yes
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:<small>*Offseason and/or practice squad member only</small>
  
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|pastcoaching=
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| pastcoaching =
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* [[Kentucky Christian University ]] (2010-2012)<br/>(Head Coach)
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* [[Kentucky Christian Knights football|Kentucky Christian]] (2011–2012)<br/>(Head coach)
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* [[Marshall University]] (2013-present)<br>(Wide Receivers)
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* [[Marshall Thundering Herd football|Marshall]] (2013–2015)<br>(Wide receivers coach)
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* [[Limestone Saints football|Limestone]] (2016–2017)<br>(Head coach)
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|statweek=
  
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* [[Chicago Bears]] (2018–present)<br>(Wide receivers coach)
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|statseason=2009
  
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| highlights =
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|statlabel1=[[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
  
  ⚫
* [[National Football Conference|NFC]] [[Reception (gridiron football)|reception]]s leader (2006)
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|statvalue1=221
  
  ⚫
* Set NFL record for most catches for a non-rookie after season with no catches
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|statlabel2=Receiving yards
  
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* Second Team [[All-Arena]] ([[2002 All-Arena Team|2002]])
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|statvalue2=2,298
  
  ⚫
| statlabel1 = [[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
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|statlabel3=[[Touchdowns|Receiving TDs]]
  
  ⚫
| statvalue1 = 221
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|statvalue3=7
  
  ⚫
| statlabel2 = [[Receiving yards]]
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|afl=2996
  
  ⚫
| statvalue2 = 2,298
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|nfl=FUR643990
  
  ⚫
| statlabel3 = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
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|highlights=<nowiki></nowiki>
  
  ⚫
| statvalue3 = 7
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*Led [[NFC West]] in [[interception|Interception yards]] ([[2005 NFL season|2005]])
  
  ⚫
| afl = 2996
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*Set [[NFL]] record for most catches for a non-rookie after season with no catches
  
  ⚫
| nfl = FUR643990
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*Led [[National Football Conference|NFC]] in [[Reception (American football)|reception]]s: 98 (2006)
  
  +
| pfr = F/FurrMi00
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*[[Cleveland Browns]] Ed Block Courage Award Recipient (2009)
  
 
}}
  
}}
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'''Michael Thomas Furrey''' ({{IPAc-en|f|ə|ˈ|r|iː}}; born May 12, 1977) is a former [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] and [[Safety (American football position)|safety]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was signed by the [[Indianapolis Colts]] as an [[undrafted free agent]] in 2000. He played [[college football]] at [[Northern Iowa Panthers football|Northern Iowa]] and [[Ohio State University]].
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'''Michael Thomas Furrey''' ({{IPAc-en|f|ə|ˈ|r|iː}}; born May 12, 1977) is a former [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] and [[Safety (American football position)|safety]] and current wide receivers coach for the [[Chicago Bears]]. He was signed by the [[Indianapolis Colts]] as an [[undrafted free agent]] in 2000. He played [[college football]] at [[Northern Iowa Panthers football|Northern Iowa]] and [[Ohio State University]].
   
−
Furrey was also a member of the [[New York Dragons]], [[Las Vegas Outlaws]], [[St. Louis Rams]], [[Detroit Lions]], [[Cleveland Browns]], and [[Washington Redskins]].
 +
Furrey was also a member of the [[New York Dragons]], [[Las Vegas Outlaws (XFL)|Las Vegas Outlaws]], [[St. Louis Rams]], [[Detroit Lions]], [[Cleveland Browns]], and [[Washington Redskins]].
   
 
==Early years==
  
==Early years==
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==College career==
  
==College career==
−
After high school, Furrey enrolled at [[Ohio State University]] in 1995, where he played in nine games as a freshman [[walk-on (sports)|walk-on]]. In 1996 he transferred to [[Division I (NCAA)#Division I-Championship Subdivision|Division I-AA]] [[University of Northern Iowa|Northern Iowa]]. In his three years at UNI, Furrey set new [[Gateway Football Conference]] receiving records with career totals of 242 receptions for 3,544 yards and 27 touchdowns.
 +
After high school, Furrey enrolled at [[Ohio State University]] in 1995, where he played in nine games as a freshman [[walk-on (sports)|walk-on]]. In 1996, he transferred to [[Division I (NCAA)#Division I-Championship Subdivision|Division I-AA]] [[University of Northern Iowa|Northern Iowa]]. In his three years at UNI, Furrey set new [[Gateway Football Conference]] receiving records with career totals of 242 receptions for 3,544 yards and 27 touchdowns.
   
 
==Professional career==
  
==Professional career==
  +
 
===Indianapolis Colts===
  
===Indianapolis Colts===
 
He entered the NFL as an [[undrafted free agent (football)|undrafted free agent]] for the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in 2000 but was waived at the end of training camp.
  
He entered the NFL as an [[undrafted free agent (football)|undrafted free agent]] for the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in 2000 but was waived at the end of training camp.
   
 
===Las Vegas Outlaws===
  
===Las Vegas Outlaws===
−
He went on to play in the [[XFL]] for the [[Las Vegas Outlaws]]. He finished the season with 18 receptions for 243 yards and one touchdown.
 +
He went on to play in the [[XFL]] for the [[Las Vegas Outlaws (XFL)|Las Vegas Outlaws]]. He finished the season with 18 receptions for 243 yards and one touchdown.
   
 
===New York Dragons===
  
===New York Dragons===
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===St. Louis Rams===
  
===St. Louis Rams===
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Furrey made the 2003 Rams roster and played in 13 games, serving as [[wide receiver]] and [[special teams]] ace. He played in 8 games and 2 playoff contests in 2004. Due to a lack of depth in the Rams' secondary before the [[2005 St. Louis Rams season|2005 season]], Furrey converted to [[Free safety]] based on his experience in the AFL where players play both offense and defense. He became the starter in Week 5. He was successful in the transition, as he had one game winning interception 67 yard return for a touchdown, and the next week a game-clinching interception in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. At the end of the 2005 season, Furrey was released.
 +
Furrey made the 2003 Rams roster and played in 13 games, serving as [[wide receiver]] and [[special teams]] ace. He played in eight games and two playoff contests in 2004. Due to a lack of depth in the Rams' secondary before the [[2005 St. Louis Rams season|2005 season]], Furrey converted to [[free safety]] based on his experience in the AFL, where players play both offense and defense. He became the starter in Week 5. He was successful in the transition, as he had one game-winning interception 67-yard return for a touchdown, and the next week a game-clinching interception in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. At the end of the 2005 season, Furrey was released.
   
 
===Detroit Lions===
  
===Detroit Lions===
−
The [[Detroit Lions]] signed Furrey to a one-year deal on April 4, 2006 as a wide receiver, being one of the few active players in the NFL to have started on both offense and defense. He emerged as a solid option in the Lions offense, catching 98 passes for 1,086 yards and seven touchdowns. His 98 receptions for that season were the most for any player in the conference, and second best in the league.
 +
The [[Detroit Lions]] signed Furrey to a one-year deal on April 4, 2006 as a wide receiver, being one of the few active players in the NFL to have started on both offense and defense. He emerged as a solid option in the Lions offense, catching 98 passes for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns. His 98 receptions for that season were the most for any player in the conference, and second best in the league.
   
−
On December 31, 2006, Furrey set the pro football record for most catches for a non-rookie after a season with no catches the previous season. He had 98 receptions at the end of the 2006 season (which was the most in the NFC for that year), after none in 2005. The previous record was 92 catches, set in 1960 by [[Lionel Taylor]], playing for [[Denver Broncos|Denver]] in the [[American Football League|AFL]].<ref>"Lions WR Furrey goes from 0 catches to 93". ''[[Associated Press]]'' December 31, 2006. Found at http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2715655&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.</ref>
 +
On December 31, 2006, Furrey set the pro football record for most catches for a non-rookie after a season with no catches the previous season. He had 98 receptions at the end of the 2006 season (which was the most in the NFC for that year), after none in 2005. The previous record was 92 catches, set in 1960 by [[Lionel Taylor]], playing for [[Denver Broncos|Denver]] in the [[American Football League|AFL]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Lions WR Furrey goes from 0 catches to 93 |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2715655 |publisher=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=December 31, 2006 |access-date=September 23, 2017 }}</ref>
   
  +
Furrey was the 2006 recipient of the Detroit Lions/Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association's Media-Friendly "Good Guy" Award. The Good Guy Award is given yearly to the Detroit Lions player who shows consideration to, and cooperation with the media at all times during the course of the season.
⚫
After the [[2006 Detroit Lions season|2006 season]], Furrey was re-signed by the Lions to a three-year contract due to his breakout year. In the [[2007 NFL Draft]] the Lions selected wide receiver [[Calvin Johnson (American football)|Calvin Johnson]] in the first round (2nd overall), making Furrey number three on the depth chart. Furrey would record 61 catches for 664 yards in 2007. He was re-signed as an [[unrestricted free agent]] on January 24, 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2007-01-24-furrey-deal_x.htm |title=Lions agree to terms with free agent wide receiver Mike Furrey |date=January 24, 2007 |publisher=USA Today |accessdate=2009-05-05}}</ref> Furrey was released by the Lions on February 9, 2009.
  
  +
  ⚫
After the [[2006 Detroit Lions season|2006 season]], Furrey was re-signed by the Lions to a three-year contract due to his breakout year. In the [[2007 NFL Draft]] the Lions selected wide receiver [[Calvin Johnson (American football)|Calvin Johnson]] in the first round (2nd overall), making Furrey number three on the depth chart. Furrey recorded 61 catches for 664 yards in 2007. He was re-signed as an [[unrestricted free agent]] on January 24, 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2007-01-24-furrey-deal_x.htm |title=Lions agree to terms with free agent wide receiver Mike Furrey |date=January 24, 2007 |publisher=USA Today |accessdate=May 5, 2009}}</ref> Furrey was released by the Lions on February 9, 2009.
   
 
===Cleveland Browns===
  
===Cleveland Browns===
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Furrey was signed by the [[Cleveland Browns]] on May 5, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/browns_sign_exlion_receiver_mi.html |title=Browns sign ex-Lion receiver Mike Furrey |date=May 5, 2009 |publisher=Cleveland Plain Dealer |accessdate=2009-05-05}}</ref> Furrey started the year at wide receiver for the Browns, but has since been moved to free safety and nickelback due to the lack of depth in Cleveland's injury depleted secondary.<ref>http://www.freep.com/article/20091120/BLOG21/91120082/Furrey-playing-both-ways-for-Browns</ref> In 2010, he was one of three finalists for the [[Walter Payton Man of the Year Award]]- which [[Brian Waters]] won. He also was the Cleveland Browns 2009 Ed Block Courage Award Recipient.
 +
Furrey was signed by the [[Cleveland Browns]] on May 5, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/browns_sign_exlion_receiver_mi.html |title=Browns sign ex-Lion receiver Mike Furrey |date=May 5, 2009 |publisher=Cleveland Plain Dealer |accessdate=May 5, 2009}}</ref> Furrey started the year at wide receiver for the Browns, but was moved to free safety and nickelback due to the lack of depth in Cleveland's injury-depleted secondary.<ref>http://www.freep.com/article/20091120/BLOG21/91120082/Furrey-playing-both-ways-for-Browns</ref> In 2010, he was one of three finalists for the [[Walter Payton Man of the Year Award]], which [[Brian Waters]] ultimately won. He was also the Browns' 2009 [[Ed Block Courage Award]] Recipient.
   
 
===Washington Redskins===
  
===Washington Redskins===
 
Furrey was signed by the [[Washington Redskins]] on June 9, 2010.
  
Furrey was signed by the [[Washington Redskins]] on June 9, 2010.
   
  +
===After football===
  ⚫
In August 2011 it was announced Furrey was one of a number of former NFL players suing the NFL over concussions and related symptoms.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/sports/football/former-nfl-players-broaden-focus-of-concussion-suit.html?_r=0 | title=Concussion Suit Seeks Better Health Monitoring | publisher=New York Times | date=August 20, 2011 | accessdate=January 4, 2013 | author=Borden, Sam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6874906/jim-mcmahon-other-players-sue-nfl-concussions | title=Players accuse NFL of negligence | publisher=Associated Press | date=August 19, 2011 | accessdate=January 4, 2013}}</ref>
  +
 
==Coaching career==
  
==Coaching career==
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On December 10, 2010, Furrey was introduced as the head football coach at [[Kentucky Christian University]] in [[Grayson, Kentucky]]. KCU plays in the Mid-South Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics [NAIA]. On February 20, 2013, Furrey resigned his position as KCU head coach to become wide receivers coach at [[Marshall University]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201302200048 |title=Marshall football: Mike Furrey reportedly joining Herd staff |date=February 20, 2013 |publisher=Charleston Daily Mail |accessdate=March 24, 2013}}</ref>
 +
On December 10, 2010, Furrey was introduced as the head football coach at [[Kentucky Christian University]] in [[Grayson, Kentucky]]. KCU plays in the Mid-South Conference of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA). On February 20, 2013, Furrey resigned his position as KCU head coach to become wide receivers coach at [[Marshall Thundering Herd football|Marshall University]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201302200048 |title=Marshall football: Mike Furrey reportedly joining Herd staff |date=February 20, 2013 |publisher=Charleston Daily Mail |accessdate=March 24, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130410174953/http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201302200048 |archivedate=April 10, 2013 |df= }}</ref> On May 10, 2016, it was reported that Furrey would be leaving Marshall University to become the head coach at Limestone College.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.herald-dispatch.com/_zapp/wr-coach-mike-furrey-leaving-herd/article_1f1da2d4-16ee-11e6-af0c-e376384a57bb.html|title=WR coach Mike Furrey leaving Herd|date=May 10, 2016|publisher=Huntington Herald-Dispatch|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref> On May 12, 2016, Furrey was introduced at [[Limestone College]] in [[Gaffney, South Carolina]] at a press conference.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2016-05-11/Front_Page/Former_NFL_player_is_new_Limestone_football_coach.html|title=Former NFL player is new Limestone football coach|date=May 11, 2016|publisher=Gaffney Ledger|accessdate=May 12, 2016}}</ref> He became the second head coach for football for the [[Limestone Saints]], compiling a 9–12 record in two seasons with the team.<ref name="Limestone football coach Mike Furrey steps down" />
   
  +
Furrey joined the [[Chicago Bears]] as their wide receivers coach in January 12, 2018, reuniting with New York Dragons teammate and new Bears head coach [[Matt Nagy]].<ref name="Limestone football coach Mike Furrey steps down">{{cite news|url=http://www.goupstate.com/sports/20180112/limestone-football-coach-mike-furrey-steps-down|title=Limestone football coach Mike Furrey steps down|newspaper=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=January 12, 2018|accessdate=January 12, 2018}}</ref>
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==Outside of Football==
  
⚫
In August 2011 it was announced Furrey was one of a number of former NFL players suing the NFL over concussions and related symptoms.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/sports/football/former-nfl-players-broaden-focus-of-concussion-suit.html?_r=0 | title=Concussion Suit Seeks Better Health Monitoring | publisher=New York Times | date=August 20, 2011 | accessdate=January 04, 2013 | author=Borden, Sam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6874906/jim-mcmahon-other-players-sue-nfl-concussions | title=Players accuse NFL of negligence | publisher=Associated Press | date=August 19, 2011 | accessdate=January 04, 2013}}</ref>
  
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
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==External links==
  
==External links==
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* [http://athletics.kcu.edu/coaching-staff/3 Kentucky Christian profile]
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* [http://www.golimestonesaints.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1887&path=football Limestone profile]
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* [https://archive.is/20121214194555/http://athletics.kcu.edu/coaching-staff/3 Kentucky Christian profile]
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* [http://www.herdzone.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mike_furrey_842935.html Marshall profile]
   
  +
{{NFL wide receivers coach navbox}}
 
{{Kentucky Christian Knights football coach navbox}}
  
{{Kentucky Christian Knights football coach navbox}}
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{{Limestone Saints football coach navbox}}
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{{Las Vegas Outlaws Roster (XFL)}}
   
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
  
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| NAME = Furrey, Mike
  
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
 
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American football player and coach
  
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| DATE OF BIRTH = March 12, 1977
  
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = Galion, Ohio
  
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| DATE OF DEATH =
  
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| PLACE OF DEATH =
  
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}}
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Furrey, Mike}}
  
{{DEFAULTSORT:Furrey, Mike}}
 
[[Category:1977 births]]
  
[[Category:1977 births]]
 
[[Category:Living people]]
  
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
  
 
[[Category:American football safeties]]
  
[[Category:American football safeties]]
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[[Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players]]
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[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
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[[Category:Northern Iowa Panthers football players]]
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[[Category:Cleveland Browns players]]
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[[Category:Undrafted National Football League players]]
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[[Category:Detroit Lions players]]
 
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts players]]
  
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts players]]
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[[Category:Las Vegas Outlaws players]]
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[[Category:Kentucky Christian Knights football coaches]]
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[[Category:Las Vegas Outlaws (XFL) players]]
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[[Category:Limestone Saints football coaches]]
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[[Category:Marshall Thundering Herd football coaches]]
 
[[Category:New York Dragons players]]
  
[[Category:New York Dragons players]]
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[[Category:Northern Iowa Panthers football players]]
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[[Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players]]
 
[[Category:St. Louis Rams players]]
  
[[Category:St. Louis Rams players]]
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[[Category:Detroit Lions players]]
  
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[[Category:Cleveland Browns players]]
  
 
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
  
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
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[[Category:Kentucky Christian Knights football coaches]]
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[[Category:Chicago Bears coaches]]
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[[Category:Marshall Thundering Herd football coaches]]
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[[Category:People from Franklin County, Ohio]]
 
[[Category:People from Galion, Ohio]]
  
[[Category:People from Galion, Ohio]]
 
[[Category:Players of American football from Ohio]]
  
[[Category:Players of American football from Ohio]]

Revision as of 05:25, 6 July 2019

Mike Furrey
File:Mike Furrey 2003.jpg
Furrey with the St. Louis Rams
Chicago Bears
Position:Wide receivers coach
Personal information
Born: (1977-03-12) March 12, 1977 (age 47)
Galion, Ohio
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Hilliard Davidson
(Hilliard, Ohio)
College:Northern Iowa
Undrafted:2000
Career history
As player:
* Indianapolis Colts ( 2000)*
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As coach:
* Kentucky Christian (2011–2012)
(Head coach)
  • Marshall (2013–2015)
    (Wide receivers coach)
  • Limestone (2016–2017)
    (Head coach)
  • Chicago Bears (2018–present)
    (Wide receivers coach)
    • Career highlights and awards
    * NFC receptions leader (2006)
    • Set NFL record for most catches for a non-rookie after season with no catches
    • Second Team All-Arena (2002)
    Career NFL statistics
    Receptions:221
    Receiving yards:2,298
    Receiving touchdowns:7
    Player stats at NFL.com
    Player stats at PFR
    Player stats at ArenaFan.com

    Michael Thomas Furrey (/fəˈriː/; born May 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver and safety and current wide receivers coach for the Chicago Bears. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Northern Iowa and Ohio State University.

    Furrey was also a member of the New York Dragons, Las Vegas Outlaws, St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins.

    Early years

    Furrey attended Hilliard Davidson High School in Hilliard, Ohio, and was a letter-winner in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, as a senior, he was a first team All-District honoree a first team All-Conference honoree, and a first team All-Ohio honoree.

    College career

    After high school, Furrey enrolled at Ohio State University in 1995, where he played in nine games as a freshman walk-on. In 1996, he transferred to Division I-AA Northern Iowa. In his three years at UNI, Furrey set new Gateway Football Conference receiving records with career totals of 242 receptions for 3,544 yards and 27 touchdowns.

    Professional career

    Indianapolis Colts

    He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent for the Indianapolis Colts in 2000 but was waived at the end of training camp.

    Las Vegas Outlaws

    He went on to play in the XFL for the Las Vegas Outlaws. He finished the season with 18 receptions for 243 yards and one touchdown.

    New York Dragons

    Furrey played for the New York Dragons in 2002 and 2003 as a Wide receiver/Defensive back. He was leading the Arena Football League in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,574), receiving touchdowns (46, tying an AFL record for touchdowns in a single season), and points (288) when he left the Dragons on April 29, 2003 to sign with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League.

    St. Louis Rams

    Furrey made the 2003 Rams roster and played in 13 games, serving as wide receiver and special teams ace. He played in eight games and two playoff contests in 2004. Due to a lack of depth in the Rams' secondary before the 2005 season, Furrey converted to free safety based on his experience in the AFL, where players play both offense and defense. He became the starter in Week 5. He was successful in the transition, as he had one game-winning interception 67-yard return for a touchdown, and the next week a game-clinching interception in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. At the end of the 2005 season, Furrey was released.

    Detroit Lions

    The Detroit Lions signed Furrey to a one-year deal on April 4, 2006 as a wide receiver, being one of the few active players in the NFL to have started on both offense and defense. He emerged as a solid option in the Lions offense, catching 98 passes for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns. His 98 receptions for that season were the most for any player in the conference, and second best in the league.

    On December 31, 2006, Furrey set the pro football record for most catches for a non-rookie after a season with no catches the previous season. He had 98 receptions at the end of the 2006 season (which was the most in the NFC for that year), after none in 2005. The previous record was 92 catches, set in 1960 by Lionel Taylor, playing for Denver in the AFL.[1]

    Furrey was the 2006 recipient of the Detroit Lions/Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association's Media-Friendly "Good Guy" Award. The Good Guy Award is given yearly to the Detroit Lions player who shows consideration to, and cooperation with the media at all times during the course of the season.

    After the 2006 season, Furrey was re-signed by the Lions to a three-year contract due to his breakout year. In the 2007 NFL Draft the Lions selected wide receiver Calvin Johnson in the first round (2nd overall), making Furrey number three on the depth chart. Furrey recorded 61 catches for 664 yards in 2007. He was re-signed as an unrestricted free agent on January 24, 2007.[2] Furrey was released by the Lions on February 9, 2009.

    Cleveland Browns

    Furrey was signed by the Cleveland Browns on May 5, 2009.[3] Furrey started the year at wide receiver for the Browns, but was moved to free safety and nickelback due to the lack of depth in Cleveland's injury-depleted secondary.[4] In 2010, he was one of three finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which Brian Waters ultimately won. He was also the Browns' 2009 Ed Block Courage Award Recipient.

    Washington Redskins

    Furrey was signed by the Washington Redskins on June 9, 2010.

    After football

    In August 2011 it was announced Furrey was one of a number of former NFL players suing the NFL over concussions and related symptoms.[5][6]

    Coaching career

    On December 10, 2010, Furrey was introduced as the head football coach at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. KCU plays in the Mid-South Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). On February 20, 2013, Furrey resigned his position as KCU head coach to become wide receivers coach at Marshall University.[7] On May 10, 2016, it was reported that Furrey would be leaving Marshall University to become the head coach at Limestone College.[8] On May 12, 2016, Furrey was introduced at Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina at a press conference.[9] He became the second head coach for football for the Limestone Saints, compiling a 9–12 record in two seasons with the team.[10]

    Furrey joined the Chicago Bears as their wide receivers coach in January 12, 2018, reuniting with New York Dragons teammate and new Bears head coach Matt Nagy.[10]

    References

    1. ↑ "Lions WR Furrey goes from 0 catches to 93". Associated Press. ESPN.com. December 31, 2006. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2715655.
    2. ↑ "Lions agree to terms with free agent wide receiver Mike Furrey". USA Today. January 24, 2007. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2007-01-24-furrey-deal_x.htm. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
    3. ↑ "Browns sign ex-Lion receiver Mike Furrey". Cleveland Plain Dealer. May 5, 2009. http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/browns_sign_exlion_receiver_mi.html. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
    4. ↑ http://www.freep.com/article/20091120/BLOG21/91120082/Furrey-playing-both-ways-for-Browns
    5. ↑ Borden, Sam (August 20, 2011). "Concussion Suit Seeks Better Health Monitoring". New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/sports/football/former-nfl-players-broaden-focus-of-concussion-suit.html?_r=0. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
    6. ↑ "Players accuse NFL of negligence". Associated Press. August 19, 2011. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6874906/jim-mcmahon-other-players-sue-nfl-concussions. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
    7. ↑ "Marshall football: Mike Furrey reportedly joining Herd staff". Charleston Daily Mail. February 20, 2013. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. https://archive.is/20130410174953/http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201302200048. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
    8. ↑ "WR coach Mike Furrey leaving Herd". Huntington Herald-Dispatch. May 10, 2016. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/_zapp/wr-coach-mike-furrey-leaving-herd/article_1f1da2d4-16ee-11e6-af0c-e376384a57bb.html. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
    9. ↑ "Former NFL player is new Limestone football coach". Gaffney Ledger. May 11, 2016. http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2016-05-11/Front_Page/Former_NFL_player_is_new_Limestone_football_coach.html. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
    10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Limestone football coach Mike Furrey steps down". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. January 12, 2018. http://www.goupstate.com/sports/20180112/limestone-football-coach-mike-furrey-steps-down. Retrieved January 12, 2018.

    External links

    v · d · eCurrent wide receivers coaches of the National Football League
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