HEART OF MICHAEL STORY
Michael L. Montgomery takes the runway in the Red Campaign with the American Heart Association, proudly sharing his personal story and raising awareness for heart health.
Born on August 18, 1983, Michael L. Montgomery II was raised in a home built on faith, perseverance, and excellence. His father, Michael Montgomery Sr., served as the pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, while his mother, Rosie Walker, left a lasting mark on sports history as a 2001 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
Michael’s athletic journey took shape during his final two years at Center High School in Center, Texas, where he excelled in both football and basketball, earning All-State honors in both sports. His exceptional talent and relentless work ethic led him to Navarro College, where he continued to dominate on the football field, earning 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-American honors while also making valuable contributions to the basketball team.
His success at Navarro earned him a full athletic scholarship to Texas A&M University, where he quickly became a key player for the Fighting Aggies. However, his journey took an unexpected and life-altering turn—on his first day of practice, Michael suffered a sudden cardiac arrest due to an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. Thanks to the swift action of Texas A&M’s medical staff, he underwent successful heart surgery, allowing him to make a triumphant return to the field. His resilience and talent propelled him to 1st Team All-Big 12 Defensive Lineman honors and cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Michael’s perseverance and talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Over the next six seasons, he played with unwavering dedication and determination, embodying the same resilience that had carried him through every challenge.
But Michael's greatest mission came off the field. Having personally faced sudden cardiac arrest and witnessed other athletes, such as Bronny James and Damar Hamlin, suffer from undiagnosed heart conditions, he was driven to take action. This passion led to the creation of the Heart of Michael Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing free heart screenings, and ensuring that no young athlete's life is cut short by a preventable heart condition.
Today, Michael’s mission extends far beyond football. He is a champion for heart health awareness, a mentor to young athletes, and an advocate for early detection. His story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose—a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and using one's platform to create lasting change.
