Mike Compton (American football)
Michael Eugene Compton (born September 18, 1970) is a former American college and professional football player who was a guard in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons. Compton played college football for West Virginia University, and was recognized as a consensus All-American center. He played professionally for the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, and started in Super Bowl XXXVI for the Patriots. Early years Compton was born in Richlands, Virginia. He graduated from Richlands High School, where he played high school football, baseball and wrestled for the Richlands Blue Tornado. College career Compton attended West Virginia University, and he played for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team from 1989 to 1992. He began his college career at West Virginia in 1989 as a redshirt freshman. Compton was backup to senior center Jeff Price that season. In 1990, Compton's sophomore season, he became the starter at the center position. His game experience from his redshirt freshman year was key in his starting success. In 1991, as a junior, Compton was an all-Big East selection. In 1992, his senior season, Compton earned consensus All-American honors. He was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, a