Michael Westbrook cements his legacy in football history through an unforgettable combination of size, speed, and undeniable playmaking ability.
Football Bio
July 7, 1972 – Detroit, Michigan – Michael Deanailo Westbrook was born.
College Accolades: Playing wide receiver for the University of Colorado Buffaloes from 1991 to 1994, he was recognized as a consensus First-Team All-American and won the Paul Warfield Trophy as the nation’s top wide receiver in 1994 per the National Football Foundation.
NFL Draft: He was selected in the first round as the 4th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
Professional Career: He played in the NFL from 1995 to 2002, primarily with the Washington Redskins before spending his final season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Career Statistics: Over his professional football career, he caught 285 passes for 4,374 yards and recorded 26 receiving touchdowns.
Hall of Fame: Westbrook was cemented into college football history when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020.
The “Miracle at Michigan” Story
On September 24, 1994, Michael Westbrook etched his name into college football lore in a play forever remembered as the “Miracle at Michigan“.
The undefeated Colorado Buffaloes were trailing the Michigan Wolverines in the final seconds of the game at Michigan Stadium.
With no time left on the clock, Colorado quarterback Kordell Stewart hurled a desperate, 64-yard Hail Mary pass deep into the end zone.
The ball was tipped by a cluster of defenders and players, but Westbrook positioned himself perfectly to catch the deflected pass, securing a stunning, last-second victory for the Buffaloes.
This iconic moment propelled Westbrook’s stellar senior season, helping guide Colorado to an 11-1 record and a No. 3 national ranking.
Michael Westbrook leaves a lasting mark on the sport of football, cementing his status as one of the greatest wide receivers to ever wear a Colorado Buffaloes uniform. He inspires future generations with his incredible athletic feats and rightfully takes his place among the sport’s greatest in the College Football Hall of Fame. (Source)
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2020.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1994.
- Paul Warfield Trophy Winner: 1994 (Awarded to the nation’s top wide receiver).
- 2× First-Team All-Big Eight: 1992, 1994.
- Second-Team All-American: 1992.
- East-West Shrine Game MVP: 1995.
- John Mack Award: 1992 (Recognized as Colorado’s outstanding offensive player).
- First Round NFL Draft Pick: 4th overall by the Washington Redskins in 1995.
- Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2016.
- Career NFL Statistics: 285 receptions for 4,374 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns.
- School Records: Finished his collegiate career as Colorado’s all-time leader in receptions (167) and receiving yards (2,548).