Mike Ford - Sarasota football legend transitions to boxing ring

[Dogma]

His professional record stands at 3-0.

by: Ryan Kohn Sports Reporter

Just more than a decade ago, Mike Ford was the talk of Sarasota sports.

He put up video game numbers in 2005 as a senior running back at Sarasota High, rushing for 2,836 yards, the 11th-most in state history, and 37 touchdowns.

Fast Facts

Name: Mike Ford

Gym: Sarasota Boxing Club

Hand: Right or left, depending on the opponent

Coach: Harold Wilen

Favorite food: Fried chicken and barbecue ribs, which Ford makes himself

Best vacation: None. Ford's never taken a vacation

Favorite TV show: Anything on National Geographic

Best advice: "Don't give up, be your own man and stay humble"

 

A five-star recruit, Ford had his pick of schools, and initially chose the University of Alabama, before academic issues forced Ford into a year of postgrad ball at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. He ended up at the University of South Florida, where Ford split carries with a bevy of other running backs during three seasons.

 

http://www.yourobserver.com/article/sarasota-football-legend-transitions-to-boxing-ring

Edited July 29, 2017 by Dogma

[Brad]

What an interesting find.  I hope Mr. Ford achieves greatness.  

[Mama_Bull]

Wishing him all the best.

[NewEnglandBull]

Should be picture of him in the dictionary under the word "squander." 

[Rex Havoc]

22 minutes ago, NewEnglandBull said:

Should be picture of him in the dictionary under the word "squander." 

He had so much talent, but wasted it. Hopefully now that he's older (and hopefully wiser) this boxing thing works for him. 

[smazza]

DIDNT HE GET A COLLEGE EDUCATION?  what a way to make a living,getting your brains turned into mash potatoes...sad

[footnfan1]

Loved seeing him run.I was left wondering what could have been. A punishing runner.

[raptorcj]

12 hours ago, Dogma said:

"Don't give up, be your own man and stay humble"

The fact that he's added humility to his advice to others says a lot. Whether he's learned the easy way or the hard way, at least he learned. Hope the best for him.

[Bausfkid]

Some could say Smazza that working in corporate America is like boxing.  

[Capital H]

Not surprising some of these gifted athletes who didnt have the right mindset as teenagers are finding second lives in combat sports.

Kid from Bama made his UFC debut the other night with a resounding KO.

These are big, strong, athletic men.