Michael Gene Lucci was an American professional football linebacker who played for 12 seasons in the National Football League.
23 Facts About Mike Lucci
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Mike Lucci played for the Cleveland Browns for three seasons from 1962 to 1964 and nine seasons with the Detroit Lions from 1965 to 1973.
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Mike Lucci played college football at Pittsburgh before transferring to Tennessee.
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Mike Lucci was born into an Italian-American family on December 29,1939, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, near the steel mills of western Pennsylvania.
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Mike Lucci only played football for the first time as a high school senior.
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Mike Lucci earned a football scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, and later transferred for his final three years to the University of Tennessee.
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Mike Lucci was named an All-American in 1961, and played in the College All-Star Game against the Green Bay Packers.
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Mike Lucci was named to the Southwest Conference All-Star Team in 1960 and 1961, and received honorable mention on the 1961 United Press International All-America Team.
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Mike Lucci was a fifth round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1962.
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Mike Lucci played for the Browns from 1962 to 1964.
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Mike Lucci was named to the 1962 NFL All-Rookie Team, and was on the Browns' 1964 NFL Championship team.
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Mike Lucci joined the Lions as a result of a three-team transaction on August 30,1965.
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Mike Lucci was a 6 ft 2 in 230-pound linebacker, playing principally at middle linebacker for the Lions, known for his ability to play through injury.
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Mike Lucci was the Lions' team captain in six seasons, and was voted by his teammates the Lions' Defensive Most Valuable Player from 1969 to 1971.
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Mike Lucci was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1971 season during which he intercepted five passes, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
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Mike Lucci appeared as himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion, and as a hitman in the 1973 film Detroit 9000.
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From 1976 to 1978 Mike Lucci served as a color analyst for Lions broadcasts on WJR radio.
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Mike Lucci first entered business as a vice president and national physical fitness director for the Vic Tanny chain of health spas.
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Mike Lucci was the former president of Bally's which at the time was the largest commercial operator of fitness centers in the United States.
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Mike Lucci co-owned 19 Burger Kings, and Venture Contracting and Development based in Troy, Michigan.
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Mike Lucci raised $650,000 for Gridiron Greats by hosting a golf tournament, to help former NFL players in financial need.
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Mike Lucci divided his time between homes in Michigan and Palm Beach County, Florida.
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Mike Lucci died in Florida following an extended illness on October 26,2021, at the age of 81.