How an undrafted quarterback became the last active link to the 1985 Chicago Bears
In short: Mike Tomczak entered the NFL undrafted, yet carved out a fifteen-year career as a journeyman quarterback. From winning a Super Bowl ring as a rookie to setting a record for consecutive wins to start a career, Tomczak remained a resilient presence in the league until his retirement in 2000.
Born on October 23, 1962, in Calumet City, Illinois, Mike Tomczak emerged from Ohio State University to join the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1985. His rookie season was defined by the legendary 1985 Bears, where he contributed to their Super Bowl XX victory. Though he saw limited action on the kickoff unit during that championship game, he quickly became a fixture in the organization. By 1986, he was thrust into a starting role, navigating the complexities of a roster that frequently shifted between him, Steve Fuller, and Jim McMahon.
Tomczak’s career was marked by both remarkable streaks and persistent challenges. He set an NFL record by winning his first ten starts, a milestone that stood until it was eventually surpassed by Ben Roethlisberger. His tenure in Chicago included the memorable 1988 'Fog Bowl' victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Following his time with the Bears, he played for the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns before finding a long-term home with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1993. During his seven seasons in Pittsburgh, he provided stability, most notably in 1996 when he started 15 regular-season games and two playoff contests, leading the team to 11 victories.
After a final stint with the Detroit Lions ended prematurely due to a broken tibia in 2000, Tomczak retired as the last active player from the 1985 Bears roster. His post-football life has been diverse, spanning roles as an offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Power, a sports commentator, and a division leader in industrial maintenance. Despite the physical toll of his career, Tomczak’s legacy remains that of a reliable professional who successfully transitioned from an undrafted hopeful to a seasoned veteran across four different NFL franchises.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mike Tomczak
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