Do you know why Mike Mikulak (December 2, 1912 – June 4, 1999) was nicknamed "Iron Mike"? Because he wore an aluminum plate to protect his protruding sternum. That didn't keep him from playing three seasons for the University of Oregon in the 1930s and later in the NFL.
Mikulak grew up in Minnesota, and was three-sport, All-City athlete in Minneapolis before moving west to play for the Webfoots (Ducks) from 1931-33. He was first a linebacker, then a two-year starter at fullback. A solid six feet tall, Mikulak stood out for his physicality. Mike was an First Team All-America pick in 1933 when the Ducks tied for the Pacific Coast Conference title with a 9-1 record and defeated Oregon State's "Ironmen". Mikulak won All-Coast honors twice and played in the East-West Shrine All-Star game.
In 1934, Mikulak joined the Chicago Cardinals of the NFL and played three seasons, helping the team to a winning record (6-4-2) in 1935. He was named second-team All-Pro that season.
After three years, he returned to Eugene as an assistant coach for four seasons and completed his degree. He joined the Armed Forces in 1941 and served in the Army and Air Force for nearly three decades, primary as a military police and security officer. He retired with the rank of Colonel in the Air Force. Mikulak received a master’s degree from the University of Iowa and was director of several of the school's graduate programs.
Mike Mikulak was inducted into the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.