Mel Anderson

Melvin Anthony Anderson (born August 29, 1965) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He currently coaches an AAU track and field team by the name of Maximum Impact Training in Minneapolis Minnesota.

Early life

Anderson was an all-American athlete in track and field at Steel Valley High School in Munhall, Pennsylvania. In college, he played wide receiver for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team.

Professional football career

After going undrafted in the 1987 NFL draft, Anderson was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released before the start of the season, but was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in two games as a return specialist, returning seven punts for 38 yards and one kick for eight yards.

Post-football career

In 1999, Anderson founded Track Minnesota Elite, an organization that trains high school track and field athletes to earn college scholarships.

Personal life

Anderson's wife, Lisa, ran track and field at Minnesota. His son, Isaac, played wide receiver at Wisconsin; his daughter, Taylor, ran track and field at UConn; and another daughter, Elise, ran track and field at Illinois State.