The victim of a career-ending neck injury, Mike Zimmer, successfully transitioned from his playing career to coaching effortlessly.
When most other players would have fallen into depression, Mike held himself and became the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
Having said that, it is not as easy as it sounds. Moreover, Zimmer has had to go through a lot of tragedies in his professional and love life.
So, check out this article in which we will discuss Mike’s entire life history. From Zimmer’s early years to his college days, eventually to his current days, all will be revealed.
But, first, have a dose of some quick facts on Mike.
Mike Zimmer: Early Life & Family
Michael Zimmer was born to his parents Ann Zimmer and Bill Zimmer, on June 5, 1956, in Peoria, Illinois. Likewise, his father, Michael, was a former NFL player and coach.
On the other hand, his mother, Ann, was a loving housemaker. Aside from that, there are no indications that Mike has a sibling.
Talking about his early life, Zimmer was into football from a very young age as his old man was involved in the sport.
Education
For his lower education, Mike attended the Lockport Township High School in Lockport, Illinois.
There, he was one of the star players in multiple sports. To illustrate, Zimmer earned all-conference honors in baseball, wrestling, and football (1972-73).
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After graduation, he went to Illinois State University, where he played as a quarterback in 1974. But, sadly, Mike broke his thumb and had to move to the linebacker position in 1976.
And, if that wasn’t enough, Zimmer’s career ended prematurely the same year due to a neck injury.
Nonetheless, he didn’t lose hope and switched his focus to coaching. Later on, Mike graduated with a degree in Physical Education.
Mike Zimmer: Career
Following a premature end to his playing career, Mike took up the role of coaching. Moreover, Zimmer’s love for the game was too strong for him to give it up.
Mike’s first coaching job was at the University of Missouri from 1979-1980. There, he worked as a part-time defensive assistant. After that, Zimmer coached at Weber State College for eight years serving in several roles.
Then, from 1989-1993, he worked as the defensive backs and defensive coordinator for the Washington State Cougars.
Thus, after 14 years of grafting in College Football, Mike got his first crack at NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 1994.
Thereafter, Zimmer stayed with the franchise until 2006. Most notably, Mike won the Super Bowl XXX in 1995 during his 12-year stay in Dallas.
In 2007, the Illinois native joined the Atlanta Falcons before moving to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Moreover, Zimmer served as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals from 2008-2013. Subsequently, he moved to the Minnesota Vikings as their head coach.
Since then, Mike has guided his team to two NFC North Championships in 2015 and 2017.
For the year 2018, the professional football coach continued working with the Vikings. He also became the fourth head coach in Minnesota Vikings history to get 40 wins.
Similarly in the year 2019, Zimmer became the third coach to surpass 52 franchise wins. After that in July 2020, he signed the three-year (until 2023)contract extension with the Vikings.
How old is Mike Zimmer? Age, Height & Nationality
Having been born in the year, 1956 makes Zimmer’s age65 at the moment.
Moreover, his star sign is Gemini. Likewise, people who fall under Gemini’s sign tend to be adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent, among others.
Talking about his height, Mike has decided to keep it a secret for now. Similarly, the intel on his weight also remains a mystery. And, about his nationality, the 63-year-old is an American.
Mike Zimmer eye
As per reports, Mike scratched his eye during the game between the Bears and the Vikings on Halloween in 2017. Moreover, he suffered a torn retina and had surgery in early November.
However, the damage was permanent as Zimmer lost most of his sight in the right eye. As a consequence, Mike has had to face a lot of difficulties.
What is Mike Zimmer’s salary? Net Worth
Mike earns a yearly salary of $5 million as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Although it is a considerable sum, Zimmer is actually one of the lowest-paid coaches in the NFL.
