Mike Guendling

Michael Anthony Guendling is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats.

Early life

Guendling attended St. Viator High School, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker. He also practiced hockey.
He accepted a football scholarship from Northwestern University. He was named a starter at defensive back as a freshman. As a sophomore, he was moved to outside linebacker, to play in a 3-4 defense.
As a junior, he had 20 tackles, helping the team beat Michigan State University and end a string off 44 consecutive road loses.
As a senior, he had 7 solo tackles, 2 sacks and 4 pass breakups in a 10-8 win against Indiana University. He finished second in school history with 29 career tackles for loss. He also had 3 career interceptions.
He played two seasons with the school's hockey team.

Guendling was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 1984 NFL draft. As a rookie, he was lost for the season after suffering a broken kneecap and knee ligament damage during training camp in July, which forced him to have 3 knee surgeries.
In 1985, he returned to play in 9 games, limited mostly to special teams and had 7 tackles. In 1986, he suffered an ankle injury. He wasn't able to regain his previous form after his knee injury and was waived on August 20.