WVU Sports Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2005

Written by Shelly Poe

Mike Compton was a consensus All-American for Mountaineer football, starting at center from 1990-92 and earning four varsity letters. A finalist for the Lombardi Award, he earned first team All-America honors from The Sporting News, Playboy, Football News, Kodak, Walter Camp, AP and UPI; he was a first team all-BIG EAST selection the first two years of that league's existence. He served as team captain as a senior and played in the East-West Shrine and Hula Bowl all-star games.

A native of Richlands, Va., Compton was decorated off the field as well for his academic and service achievements. A CoSIDA Academic All-American as a junior and senior, the honors student in physical education received the NCAA Top Six award and was selected to speak to the 1993 NCAA Convention in Dallas representing all student-athletes.

Selected in the third round of the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, Compton played there eight years, serving as a starter on offensive lines that produced Barry Sanders' record-setting seasons. From 2001-03, he was a member of the New England Patriots, earning two Super Bowl rings. Having played every offensive line position during his professional career, he spent the 2004 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Compton divides his time between homes in Florida and Virginia. He has three children: Jessica, Joshua and Sarah.