Mike Holovak - The Man Who Made me a Scout
Part of ConnieScouts was an opportunity to point out the individuals who helped me achive great things, and taught me much as a young woman in the NFL. The first name that comes to mind is Mike Holovak, one of the most brilliant judges of talent I’d ever seen and a great man.
Mike Holovak was an All-American FB from Boston College, #1 draft pick NFL, RB Chicago Bears, Head Coach Boston College from 1951-59, Head Coach and GM of Boston Patriots 1961-68, Scout for Jets 1872-78, 1981 Executive VP Houston Oiler then coaxed out of retirement to be GM for them from 1989 at age 70! What a resume, what a mentor, what a gentleman!
This is the man that believed I could be an NFL scout. I learned so much about judging abilities of players and there were no Combines, pro days, computers, or bringing in players.
Take a look at his two Jet drafts (1976 & 1977)
- Richard Todd
- Shafer Suggs
- Greg Buttle
- Abdul Salaam
- Lawrence Pillers
- Marvin Powell
- Wesley Walker
- Scott Dierking
- Joe Klecko
- Dan Alexander
- Matt Robinson
Then he goes to Houston and drafts Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews and was responsible for them going after Warren Moon. He was a true genius in Scouting.
He was never too busy to answer questions or help me see that "production, heart & motor" are more important over the guy who just has ht-wt-speed measurable. Character was big to him as is evidenced by the names he drafted. Mike loved Scouting and one of the best days back then was "open tryouts" where anyone could come to Hofstra and tryout for the team and maybe get signed to a contract. We'd be out there with hundreds, all sizes and shapes hoping for their chance and Mike really watched every one and even signed a few. I loved being out there watching and learning as he did this.
I can’t talk much about football without mentioning his name. Even when he left the Jets for Houston, until his passing at age 90, we would stay in touch. I will forever be indebted to him for the confidence I gained in the scouting world of Pro Football.
Additional Articles on Mike:
- ConnieScouts's blog
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