Unless you have been living under a rock in the Yakima River, then you have not only heard of , but you have seen #33 killing the Seahawks run game. It’s week 5 for Seattle (1st NFC West), so it’s long past due for NFL fans to meet Christine Michael a “true” athlete, power running back and much, much more. With the Seahawk’s excitement for Michael PPI thought we would share 10 additional things the 12th man needs to know about the promising rookie.
1. Christine Michael fits the Seahawks resume of being a Power Back
Michael doesn’t shy away from his competition. The first thing you notice about him is his strong physical appearance. 220lbs of solid muscle compares well to other Seahawks running backs Marshawn Lynch (215lbs) and Robert Turbin (220lbs). He completed 27 reps on the bench press at the combine, which was the third best among all running backs. Like Turbin and Lynch, he is able to break tackles and drive through contact to get extra yards with his combination of power/quickness.
2. His name is pronounced Chris-TIN not Chris-TEEN
His mother told him that she wanted her first child to be a girl, so she chose the name before she knew the baby’s gender. She named him after the character in the Johnny Cash song “A Boy Named Sue”
3. C. Mike had a killer college career at Texas A&M
When healthy, he had a very successful college career. He received offensive freshman of the year in the Big 12 conference during the 2009 season. And before getting hurt his junior season, he was well on his way towards 1,000 rushing. He rushed for a career high 230 yards against Arkansas, which is good for the third most yards in one game in school history. He averaged 99.9 yards per game, which was good for 3rd best in the Big 12. But off the field issues did affect his performance on the field. He was suspended 1 game for violating team rules, along with being sent down to third on the depth chart at the end of the season, resulting in him not playing in the Cotton Bowl. You can watch his college highlights below:
4. Christine is a “true” athlete
Not only was he one of the fastest running backs in the draft (4.43 40 yard dash), not only was he one of the strongest (27 reps), but he also had the highest vertical for a running back in NFL History (44 inches). Wouldn’t be shocked if Texas A&M basketball coach tried to get him to play some hoops with those hops! The strength and conditioning coach at A&M Larry Jackson even went as far as saying that Christine has the same level of functional explosiveness as the top RB in the NFL- Adrian Peterson. The functional explosiveness he is talking about is acceleration, change of direction, and breaking tackles. Pretty good comparison for a rookie running back, and just shows how gifted of a runner he really is.
5. More then Marshawn Lynch 2.0?
When asked who he is trying to emulate his running style after he told reporters, “Marshawn Lynch”. Many NFL analysts have compared the two, and with Marshawn as a mentor, there’s a great change Christine can see the same success Lynch has.
6. Unexpected Seahawk
Not one mock draft had the Seahawks taking a running back with their 2nd round pick, let alone Christine Michael. Most saw him going to the Greenbay Packers, a team with an immediate running back need, but sure enough the Hawks picked him up. Even with all-pro Marshawn Lynch, and Robert Turbin whom they drafted last year, they decided to boost their depth at that position. Showing you just how talented he really is. Rumors of him sleeping through team interviews could be another reason why he wasn’t drafted by a different organization.
7. Heavily recruited in high school
Out of high school, he was rated a 5 Star recruit, and the third ranked running back in the whole country. Besides Texas A&M, he held offers from Florida, LSU, Miami, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. He received the Walter Payton Trophy for the best high school football athlete in 2009. He also participated in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl where he was a starter and captain. And finally he was a finalist for the 2008 Hall Trophy for the best player in the nation. In total he ran for 3,927 yards in his high school career, while scoring 74 touchdowns on his way to several MVP recognition.
8. Christine is making his mark in the depth chart
Robert Turbin had a great rookie season last year as Marshawn Lynch’s back up, but may have competition for that #2 spot with Christine Michael. After impressing this preseason, the Seahawks will have to give both Michael and Turbin a share of the backup carries. Michael had a big game against the Packers exploding for 97 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown. He showed great versatility as a runner, and should continue to battle for that #2 spot. Either way, the Seahawks have two great options moving forward.
9. New man, new responsibilities as a player and father
With many people doubting his durability and character, Christine told reporters that through all the issues and controversy he has faced, he has changed greatly. He states that he has learned the ability to handle tough situations better, and let go what he can’t control. His responsibilities as a person have also increased do to having his first,beautiful daughter, Mia Blu Michael who was born earlier this year. Having changed as a person from the beginning of college to the end will help him as he leaps into the real world and the NFL.
10. Michael loves his #1 Fan, his mother
Pro Player Insider’s met Christine Micheal at NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, where he made an amazing impression. Michael brought his mom to be by his side as he signed his first trading cards and debuted his first NFL jersey. The 12th man has already been rooting #33 this season, but they may not be quite as loud as his supportive mother. Fans can be sure to find her rocking her #33 jersey behind the home teams bench.
For the latest from Michael himself follow his twitter: @Cmike33
Follow him on instagram: @Cmike_33
–By Will Ferris
– Theresa Villano contributed to this story, follow @Theresa_ppi
Great article. Well done! Christine Micheal will see more playing time as soon as he improves his pass protection.
Darrell Bevell NEEDS TO GET THIS MAN INVOLVED WITH PASSES OUT OF THE BACKFIELD. DUDE HAS SERIOUS WHEELS!