Mike Pouncey

James Michael Pouncey (born July 24, 1989) is an American former professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators, was a member of a BCS National Championship team, and earned All-American honors. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, and also played for the Los Angeles Chargers. He is the twin brother of former NFL center Maurkice Pouncey.

Early life Pouncey was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He attended Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida, where he was a standout lineman for the Lakeland Dreadnaughts high school football team. As a senior in 2006, he helped lead Lakeland High to its third consecutive Florida Class 5A state championship and second straight USA Today national championship. Pouncey was listed as the No. 16 offensive guard in the nation in 2007. He chose Florida over offers from Florida State, Clemson, Miami, and Michigan.

College career

Pouncey accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, As a freshman in 2007, he started the season as an offensive lineman but had to move to the defensive line as replacement when several defensive starters were injured. after Maurkice entered the 2010 NFL draft following his junior year.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins Pouncey (right) works with fellow Dolphins center Joe Berger in 2011.

Pouncey graded out as the top center and guard prospects in the 2011 NFL draft. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round with the 15th pick overall. He started all 16 regular season games of his rookie season.

In February 2014, the NFL released the "Wells Report" finding that Pouncey, along with Dolphins teammates Richie Incognito and John Jerry, had bullied and harassed lineman Jonathan Martin, another unnamed player, and an assistant trainer. The harassment of the assistant trainer, in which Pouncey took part, included racial insults.

On April 29, 2014, the Dolphins exercised the fifth year option on his rookie contract. Pouncey underwent hip surgery to repair a torn labrum with an expected recovery time of three months on June 23. He would go on to play the entire 2014 season at Guard and was named to his second Pro Bowl, becoming the third Dolphin in team history to earn Pro Bowl honors at two different positions (Cameron Wake, Randy Starks).

On April 10, 2015, Pouncey signed a five-year contract extension with the Dolphins worth $52.15 million with $22 million guaranteed. Pouncey only played in five games in 2016 after dealing with a hip injury before being placed on injured reserve on December 13, 2016.

The Dolphins released Pouncey on March 15, 2018, after he asked the team to release him.

Los Angeles Chargers On March 19, 2018, Pouncey signed a two-year, $15 million contract including $10 million fully guaranteed with the Los Angeles Chargers. He started all 16 games at center for the Chargers in 2018, on his way to his fourth Pro Bowl.

On September 3, 2019, Pouncey signed a one-year extension worth $9 million. He was placed on injured reserve on October 9, 2019, with a neck injury.

On September 17, 2020, Pouncey was placed on injured reserve after undergoing season-ending hip surgery.

On February 12, 2021, Pouncey announced his retirement, alongside his brother, after a ten-season career.

Personal life

Pouncey's identical twin brother Maurkice Pouncey was selected 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL draft. Pouncey has two children: a daughter, Janiyah (born 2008),