My Story: The Journey of Mike Tice

Football has been my life’s calling, though the road was never straight or predictable. I never expected to play in the NFL, let alone coach in it, but the game had different plans for me.

I was an undrafted quarterback coming out of the University of Maryland in 1981. If you had told me back then that I would carve out a long career as a tight end, I might have laughed. But when the Seattle Seahawks gave me a shot, I adapted. Switching positions was tough, but it was the best move I ever made. Over the years, I embraced my role, played with grit, and extended my playing career far beyond what most expected.

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After more than a decade as a player, my love for the game didn’t fade—it evolved. Coaching came naturally to me, and in 1996, I got my first real taste as an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings. By 2002, I had earned the head coaching job, a position that brought some of my proudest—and toughest—moments.

Leading a team as an NFL head coach is no small task. I took over a Vikings squad known for its high-powered offense, and I wanted to build something special. In 2003, we led the league in total offense, lighting up the scoreboard with Daunte Culpepper, Randy Moss, and a dynamic run game. But coaching isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s about managing personalities, dealing with adversity, and keeping a team locked in.

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One of my most memorable moments was leading the Vikings to a playoff win in 2004 against the Packers at Lambeau Field. Nobody gave us much of a shot, but we stepped up and proved people wrong. Watching Randy Moss fake mooning the Green Bay crowd? Classic. But more importantly, it was about showing that we belonged.

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Coaching stints followed with teams like Jacksonville, Chicago, and Atlanta. I spent a lot of time molding offensive lines and mentoring young players. It wasn’t always about the wins and losses—it was about the relationships, the leadership, and the love of competition.

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Beyond football, I have a passion many might not expect: horse racing. In 2013, I hit a Pick 6 bet at Del Mar for over $100,000. Not bad for a side hobby, right? It’s just another example of how life can surprise you when you take chances.

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I’ve seen the game from every angle—player, assistant coach, head coach, analyst. Football has shaped me, challenged me, and rewarded me. My story isn’t just about a career in the NFL; it’s about adapting, evolving, and never backing down from a challenge.

That’s the Mike Tice way.