veteran special-teams spark with linebacker versatility
In the 2016 season, Joey Michael was a senior linebacker at Montana State listed at 6-3, 205, and his calling card was versatility: he was described as a backup linebacker and special-teams contributor who had already carved out a niche covering kicks with real burst and fearless effort.[1][2] The best version of his game is defined less by box-score volume than by toughness, football IQ, and reliability in hidden-yardage situations, though his career was also shaped by injuries that limited his defensive role at times.[1][2] If a team wants a gritty, high-motor defender who can help immediately on special teams and provide depth at linebacker, he fits the bill.[1][2]
