Mike Katz (born 1944) is an American former IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with the New York Jets, best known for appearing alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he played football for Southern Connecticut State University and then for the Jets until a leg injury ended that career in 1968. His contest record runs from Mr. Connecticut in 1963 to the 1976 Mr. Olympia, where he placed second in the over 200 pounds class, and includes the 1972 IFBB Mr. World and IFBB Universe tall class titles. He is in the Southern Connecticut State University Athletics Hall of Fame and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and received a lifetime achievement award from Schwarzenegger in 2025.
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Source Mike Katz (Wikipedia)
Source Mike Katz (Wikipedia)
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Source Mike Katz (Wikipedia)Lead, nationalityQuote, Lead, nationality
is an American former IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with the New York Jets
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1. Mike Katz (Wikipedia)
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He was paid $1,000 to sign a release for appearing in the film.
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Michael Katz (born November 14, 1944)
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is an American former IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with the New York Jets
Plays: Bodybuilding, Lead, sport
is an American former IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with the New York Jets
Competed In: Mr. Olympia, Lead, competition
1976 Mr. Olympia Over 200 lbs, 2nd Place
Competed In: Mr. Universe, Lead, competition
1972 IFBB Universe Tall, 1st Place
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