By Darin How does one man outwork an entire defense? For Mike Garrett, the answer was “Iron” will and unparalleled versatility. Long before the era of specialized roles, Garrett was the ultimate “Swiss Army Knife” for the USC Trojans, serving as a record-breaking rusher, a lethal return specialist, and a consistent pass-catcher. In 1965, he did the unthinkable by becoming USC’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner, setting a standard of excellence that would define the “Tailback U” legacy for decades. From the Coliseum to two Super Bowls, Mike Garrett didn’t just play football—he dominated every inch of the field.
Football Bio
April 12, 1944 – Los Angeles, California – Southern Cal’s bellcow halfback of the era of 1963 to 1965, Mike Garrett, celebrated his day of birth.
This celebrated back was in the top ten of the nation’s rushing leaders each year he played college football. He was so good, in fact, that, according to the FootballFoundation.org website bio on Mike, his career total of 3221 yards broke the national record set 15 years earlier by Ollie Matson at the University of San Francisco. Mike also crossed the goal line stripe 30 times, but besides his rushing gains, the versatile Garrett also caught 36 passes, returned 43 punts, returned 30 kickoffs, and threw 6 passes!
The open field is where he really thrived, as the 1965 game against Cal proved, where Mike G. returned punts 87 and 74 yards for scores. During his collegiate career, Garrett averaged 23 yards in kickoff returns. As one can imagine, the accolades of such a player did not go unnoticed. “Iron Mike” was All-America in his last two years, a unanimous choice in 1965, and in that magical season, he also won the Heisman Trophy, the Veit Memorial Award, and the Pop Warner Award. He was named Athlete of the Year by the YMCA and North American Athlete by the Helms Foundation.
Mike Garrett’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1985. After graduation, Mike moved on to the Pro level of the gridiron, where he played with Kansas City and San Diego from 1966-73 and was an all-pro halfback.
Conclusion
Mike Garrett was the pioneer who proved that USC was the premier destination for elite ball carriers. By shattering Ollie Matson’s national rushing record and providing a threat in every phase of the game—rushing, receiving, and returning—he became the blueprint for the modern all-purpose back. His professional success, including a Super Bowl IV victory with the Kansas City Chiefs, further validated his status as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985, Garrett remains a cornerstone of the Trojan spirit, a player whose relentless drive earned him the nickname “Iron Mike” and a permanent place in gridiron lore.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner: 1965 (USC’s first recipient).
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1985.
- National Rushing Record: Set a then-NCAA record with 3,221 career rushing yards.
- Unanimous First-Team All-American: 1965.
- First-Team All-American: 1964.
- Pop Warner Award: 1965.
- W.J. Voit Memorial Trophy: 1965.
- Super Bowl Champion: Super Bowl IV (Kansas City Chiefs).
- 2× AFL All-Star: 1966, 1967.
- AFL Rookie of the Year: 1966.
- Helms Foundation North American Athlete of the Year: 1965.
