Michael Dondril Nattiel (born November 8, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) during the early 2000s. Nattiel played college football for the Florida Gators, and thereafter, he played in the NFL for the Vikings.
Early life
Nattiel was born in Gainesville, Florida in 1980. He attended Newberry High School in Newberry, Florida,databaseFootball.com, Players, . Retrieved July 17, 2010. where he played for the Newberry Fighting Panthers high school football team.GatorZone.com, Football History, 2002 Roster, Mike Nattiel . Retrieved March 31, 2011. Nattiel was a three-time Florida Class 3A all-state honoree at linebacker, and was recognized as a high school All-American by SuperPrep, PrepStar and National Blue Chips.
College career
Nattiel accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, and played outside linebacker for coach Steve Spurrier and coach Ron Zook's Gators teams from 1999 to 2002. 2011 Florida Gators Football Media Guide , University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 80, 97, 184 (2011). Retrieved August 31, 2011. Nattiel recovered a key fumble in the Gators' Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship victory over the Auburn Tigers in 2000, and was an honorable mention All-SEC selection in 2002.
Professional career
The Minnesota Vikings selected Nattiel in the sixth round (190th pick overall) of the 2003 NFL draft,Pro Football Hall of Fame, Draft History, 2003 National Football League Draft . Retrieved March 18, 2011. and he played for the Vikings from to .National Football League, Historical Players, Michael Nattiel. Retrieved March 7, 2011. In his two-season NFL career, Nattiel played in thirty-two games in a backup role, the highlight of which was an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown in 2003.
Personal life
Nattiel is the nephew of Ricky Nattiel, former standout wide receiver for the Florida Gators and the NFL's Denver Broncos. After his professional career, he returned to the state of Florida to coach football, and returned to his home town Panthers in 2011 as defensive coordinator.Larry Savage, " Prep Pulse: Mike Nattiel to run Newberry's defense," The Gainesville Sun (July 23, 2011). Retrieved July 24, 2011.
See also
History of the Minnesota Vikings List of Florida Gators in the NFL draft
References