By Darin Mike Ruth dominates the trenches as a legendary defensive tackle for the Boston College Eagles. Earning the prestigious Outland Trophy and securing his spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, Ruth’s sheer power and relentless drive made him an unstoppable force. Discover the story of this consensus All-American who anchored one of the greatest defenses in BC history.
Football Bio
June 25, 1964 – Norristown, Pennsylvania – Boston College’s defensive tackle from 1982 to 1985, Mike Ruth was born.
The NFF informs us that Ruth was an Outland Trophy winner in 1985 and was also a consensus First Team All-American as a senior. Mike led the Eagles to three bowl games, including a win over Houston in the 1985 Cotton Bowl.
Boston College would finish the 1984 season in stellar fashion, ranked fifth nationally in the polls. Ruth amassed 344 career tackles, 29 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries during his remarkable career.
In 1986, he received Boston College’s highest athletic honor, the Eagle of the Year award. Mike Ruth was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 after the National Football Foundation tabulated its votes.
The big defensive tackle was drafted in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and spent two seasons with the franchise. He also spent two seasons with the Barcelona Dragons in the World League of American Football.
Mike Ruth cements his legacy as one of the most dominant interior linemen in college football history. His sheer power and tactical brilliance earned him the Outland Trophy and propelled Boston College to national prominence during the early 1980s. From his record-setting sack totals to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, Ruth remains an immortal figure in the heart of Eagles football.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2017.
- Outland Trophy Winner: 1985.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1985.
- Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1993.
- Eagle of the Year: Awarded Boston College’s highest athletic honor in 1986.
- Retired Number: His #68 jersey was retired by Boston College.
- 3× First-Team All-East: 1983, 1984, 1985.
- Career Stats: Recorded 344 total tackles, 29 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries at BC.
- Cotton Bowl Champion: 1985.
- NFL Draft: Selected in the 2nd round (42nd overall) by the New England Patriots in 1986.