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Mike Person

The Pride of Eastern Montana

A total of 15 players from Glendive, Montana have played for Montana State. But Person is the best, the pride of the Eastern Montana outpost that holds the distinction as the smallest media market in America.

Person starred for his father for the Dawson County High School Red Devils. His MSU legacy was forever solidified when he captained the Bobcats to a 21-16 win over Montana in Missoula in 2010 to simultaneously clinch a Big Sky Conference title for the ‘Cats and end a 17-year streak qualifying for the FCS Playoffs by the Griz.

When Person became the first Bobcat drafted in seven years when he was picked in the 7th round in 2011, it seemed like he would have more of an inside track than most Montanans of his generation who were getting shots in the NFL.

Yet he had to ride a wave of instability for most of his first three seasons in the NFL. After getting cut twice in the span of 10 days in 2012, Person wondered if he had a long-term future in professional football.

Thanks to mental fortitude and a pride in where he came from, plus the toughness that has defined each step of his football career, Person emerged out of uncertainty to etch a career defined by its longevity.

Once Person played his way off the practice squad to make the Seahawks active roster, he took advantage of every opportunity in front of him. The offensive lineman earned contracts with the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs before earning a second chance in San Francisco.

Read full bio on pages 44-51 in our 2023 Hall of Fame Ceremony Book (PDF).