... and developed into a star athlete as a teenager. His father was a semi-pro football player who schooled Mike in the game practically from birth.

As a teenager, he became the best quarterback in the state of California and was recruited to USC where injuries derailed his career.

In 1970, Holmgren was an eighth-round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, and played briefly with the New York Jets. He quickly realized he didn't have a future in the NFL, left the game, and became certified as a teacher.

Although he didn't realize it at the time, becoming certified as a teacher would help shape his future in the NFL in the years to come.

In 1970, he also married his childhood sweetheart, Kathy, whom he had known since he was...

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