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| Michael Huff | |
|---|---|
| Name | Michael Huff |
| Position | Safety |
| Number | 21, 23 |
| Birth date | September 22, 1983 |
| Birth place | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Weight lb | 207 |
| College | Texas |
| Draftyear | 2006 |
| Teams | Oakland Raiders (2006–2010), Denver Broncos (2011–2012), Baltimore Ravens (2013)* |
| Highlights | All-American (2005), Doak Walker Award? , Big 12 honors |
Michael Huff Michael Huff is an American former professional American football player who played as a safety in the National Football League for the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and briefly the Baltimore Ravens. A standout at the Texas Longhorns, he earned All-American recognition and was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Huff's career spanned notable teammates, coaches, and league moments, and he later transitioned into coaching and mentorship roles in California.
Huff was born in Oakland, California and attended Hayward region schools, where he played high school football at San Leandro High School and later at Madden High School? in the Bay Area. As a prep athlete he competed in local CIF competitions and earned attention from college recruiters from programs such as California, USC, Michigan, and Florida. Huff chose the University of Texas, enrolling under the tenure of coach Mack Brown and joining a roster that included future NFL starters who played in BCS games and major bowl matchups like the Rose Bowl and the BCS National Championship Game.
At Texas, Huff played under defensive coordinator Gene Chizik and later Duane Akina, contributing to defenses that faced high-profile offenses from programs such as Oklahoma and USC. He emerged as a versatile defensive back, earning All-Big 12 honors and consensus All-American status in 2005. Huff was a key part of the Longhorns' secondary during seasons that included matchups against Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Missouri, and he helped Texas reach major postseason contests like the Rose Bowl. His collegiate performance drew the attention of scouts and front offices including the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots who evaluated top defensive back prospects during the mid-2000s.
Huff was selected seventh overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders amid a draft class that featured players such as Vince Young, Reggie Bush, and Mario Williams. In Oakland he played under coaches Norv Turner, Lane Kiffin, and Tom Cable and alongside teammates including Jerry Porter, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Michael Bush. Huff's rookie seasons involved regular rotations at safety and nickel positions against AFC West rivals like the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chargers. In 2010 he was a central figure during the Raiders' defensive schemes and notable games at Oakland Coliseum.
After his tenure with the Raiders, Huff signed with the Denver Broncos in 2011, joining a roster anchored by coach John Fox and defensive staff that featured veteran players such as Tim Tebow? and Elvis Dumervil? while competing in AFC playoff races. He later joined the Baltimore Ravens for offseason work under coach John Harbaugh and a secondary that included Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, participating in training camp and preseason rotations before roster decisions preceding the regular season.
During his NFL career, Huff accumulated statistics including tackles, interceptions, pass deflections, forced fumbles, and defensive touchdowns while competing in regular-season matchups, divisional games, and nationally televised contests such as Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football. He recorded career highs in tackles and interceptions in seasons that featured key contributions on third-down defense and in red zone situations against quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. Huff's professional achievements include starting in multiple seasons, contributing to special teams units, and earning recognition from analysts during coverage on networks such as ESPN and NFL Network.
Following his playing career, Huff transitioned into coaching, mentoring young defensive backs at high school and collegiate levels including programs within the Bay Area and Los Angeles region. He worked with youth football organizations, participated in NFL Alumni events, and collaborated with collegiate coaching staffs at pro days and recruiting showcases attended by scouts from franchises such as the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Huff has also engaged in broadcasting appearances, community outreach with the Oakland Raiders Alumni, and training camps that featured former NFL players and coaches like Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren.
Huff has maintained ties to California, residing in the Bay Area and participating in community initiatives, charity events, and high school coaching clinics associated with local institutions such as San Leandro High School and regional youth leagues. He has been involved in philanthropic efforts, alumni gatherings with the University of Texas at Austin, and public appearances at sports conventions and fundraising events alongside former teammates and coaches from his college and NFL careers.
Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:American football safeties Category:Oakland Raiders players Category:Denver Broncos players Category:Texas Longhorns football players