Mike Rivera
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Career Summary
Mike Rivera was a Kansas linebacker who reached the NFL through an undrafted signing.
His professional route included Chicago, Tennessee, Green Bay, Miami and New England.
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Early Life
Rivera was born in Shawnee, Kansas.
His father played football and wrestled at Central Missouri State.
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High School
Rivera played at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.
He recorded 149 tackles as a senior and received first-team All-Sunflower League recognition. He also played tight end and participated in track.
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College Career
Rivera played both middle and outside linebacker for Kansas.
After leading the team with 90 tackles in 2006, he moved outside in 2007 and recorded 96 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
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Path to the NFL
Chicago signed Rivera as a rookie free agent in 2009.
Following his release, he spent time on Tennessee’s practice squad. Green Bay and Miami provided subsequent opportunities in 2010.
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NFL Career
Rivera spent much of 2011 on New England’s practice squad and made its opening roster in 2012.
After playing in the first two games, he was released and briefly joined Miami. He returned to New England later in 2012. The Patriots released him during their August 2013 roster reductions.
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Career Accomplishments
Rivera earned recognition for football, academics and service at Kansas.
His honors included honorable-mention All-Big 12 selections in 2006 and 2007, first-team Academic All-Big 12 in 2007, and the inaugural Galen Fiss campus and community service award.
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Playing Style
Rivera offered the build and experience of a middle linebacker.
In a September 2012 team-site assessment, Patriots writer Andy Hart described him as a potential middle-linebacker backup whose initial contributions were likely to come on special teams.
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Legacy
Rivera contributed beyond football at Kansas.
The inaugural Galen Fiss award recognized his campus and community service.
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22577, 00-0026556, 1986-01-10, Mike Rivera, Mike, Rivera
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