Mike Purcell

BIOGRAPHY

Born on April 20, 1991, Michael Purcell has made a name for himself in the realm of American professional football. Recognized as a coveted defensive tackle, Purcell stands high on the list of free agents. His journey to the professional league began at the University of Wyoming, where he made a remarkable contribution to the college football team.

Purcell hails from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, born to a Samoan father and a Hawaiian mother. Reflecting on his football career at the University of Wyoming, Purcell’s name is peppered across the college record books. He played in 42 games and made 36 starts—racking up a total of 197 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries throughout a brilliant four-year stint.

Purcell demonstrated exceptional athleticism and tenacity which brought him first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors during his senior year. In that year, he amassed an impressive catalog of records – 83 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles—further solidifying his position within the team.

After graduating from University, Purcell’s professional career took off in an unexpected fashion. Without being drafted, he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers on May 7, 2013. Despite the unconventional start, his impressive performances earned him a spot on the team’s practice squad.

Later, on January 22, 2014, he undertook a future/reserve contract with the San Francisco 49ers. By August 31, 2014, Purcell had again been signed to the team’s practice squad. His professional football career took a significant turn when he was promoted to the team’s active roster in December 2014, following the release of Ray McDonald.

Purcell stood out in the 2015 season, featuring in eight games and initiating three starts. He contributed to rigorous defense maneuvers and prevented numerous opposition attacks by recording 15 tackles (11 solo) and one sack. The following year was equally promising for Purcell, as he played in 15 games, made five starts, and completed 26 tackles (17 solo), forcing one fumble.

Keeping afloat in the professional football landscape, Purcell signed a one-year tender with the 49ers in February 27, 2017. The association with the 49ers, however, ended on May 2, 2017, when he was released from the team. The next day, Purcell was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. This stint was short-lived as he was released on September 2, 2017.

His release didn’t keep him sidelined for long when roughly two weeks later, on September 19, 2017, he was signed to the practice squad of the Chicago Bears. Nonetheless, his stay with the Bears was also brief, and he was released on October 6, 2017.

Purcell then found himself roaming the fields of Carolina Panthers’ practice grounds, being signed to their squad on October 10, 2017. He was released after six durable days on October 16, 2017.

Following his release from the Panthers, Purcell found a spot in the New England Patriots’ practice squad on October 25, 2017. However, he was released the next day only to be re-signed on November 7, 2017. His tenure with the Patriots concluded when he was again released on November 22, 2017.

Scant days after his camaraderie with Patriots ended, on November 28, 2017, Purcell found himself signed to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. The New Year came with new security for Purcell as he signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on January 10, 2018. His connection with the Chiefs, however, was severed on May 1, 2018, and then followed by a brief re-signing by the Chiefs on July 27, 2018. He was again released by the Chiefs on September 1, 2018.

In 2019, the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football signed Purcell. Here he continued to impress, and on April 22, 2019, he was spotted and signed by the Denver Broncos.

He signed a one-year restricted free agent tender with the Broncos on April 18, 2020. During week 2 of the 2020 season, Purcell made his first sack in five years. Unfortunately, his high-riding season was cut short with a season-ending foot injury. His contribution led the Broncos to retain him on a generous three-year, $14.8 million contract extension. Despite signing on August 30, 2022, Purcell faced another release by the Broncos, who re-signed him the very next day.

In later developments, Purcell signed with the New England Patriots on August 1, 2024 but was released on August 21. However, his experiences provide valuable lessons for aspiring athletes on perseverance, tenacity, and seizing opportunities at every turn.