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Michael R. Montler (January 11, 1944 – December 13, 2018) was an American football guard, center and offensive tackle who played ten seasons in the American Football League and in the National Football League for the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and the Detroit Lions.

Mike Montler

No. 64, 53, 52, 63
Position:	Guard, Center, Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1944-01-11)January 11, 1944 Columbus, Ohio
Died:	December 13, 2018(2018-12-13) (aged 74) Grand Junction, Colorado
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	254 lb (115 kg)
Career information
High school:	St. Mary's HS (Columbus, OH)
College:	Colorado
NFL Draft:	1969 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32
Career history
Boston / New England Patriots (1969–1972) Buffalo Bills (1973–1976) Denver Broncos (1977) Detroit Lions (1978)
Career NFL statistics
Games played: 123 Games started: 116
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

University of Colorado

Montler played college football at the University of Colorado where he was All-American in 1968.

Buffalo Bills

In 1973, his fifth year in the NFL, he became the starting center of the Bills,[1] replacing Remi Prudhomme, splitting time with Bruce Jarvis, centering between Reggie McKenzie at left guard and Hall-of-Famer Joe DeLamielleure at right guard, for a fine 9-5 team, when O.J. Simpson became the first running back to rush for over 2,000 yards. In 1974, Montler won the job away from Jarvis, starting in all 14 games for another 9-5 season.[2] The Bills lost ground in 1975 with a won-lost record of 8-6, despite having the best offense in the entire NFL with 420 points (30.0 points/game). For the second year in a row, Montler played all 14 games between McKenzie and DeLamielleure in the stout middle of the Bills offensive line.[3] Although the same trio played together in all 14 games in 1976,[4] the team sagged to 2-12, an offense worth 20th place in scoring and a defense 24th in points allowed. Montler was replaced by 5-year pro Willie Parker.[5]

Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions

Montler became the starting center for the Denver Broncos in 1977 for all 14 games and the Detroit Lions in 1978, but only in 4 games.

Death

Montler died on December 13, 2018, aged 74 in Grand Junction, Colorado.[6]

References

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