# Mike Stratton

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American football player (1941–2020)

This article is about the American football player. For the British cancer researcher, see [Michael Stratton](/source/Michael_Stratton).

Mike Stratton Statton on a Topps card, 1965 No. 58 Position Linebacker Personal information Born (1941-04-10)April 10, 1941 Vonore, Tennessee, U.S. Died March 25, 2020(2020-03-25) (aged 78) Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. Listed height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Listed weight 224 lb (102 kg) Career information High school Tellico Plains (Tellico Plains, Tennessee) College Tennessee AFL draft 1962: 13th round, 100th overall pick Career history Buffalo Bills (1962–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) Awards and highlights 2× AFL champion (1964, 1965) 6× AFL All-Star (1963–1968) AFL All-Time Second Team Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team Career statistics Quarterback sacks 31.5 Interceptions 21 Touchdowns 2 Stats at Pro Football Reference

**David Michael Stratton** (April 10, 1941 – March 25, 2020) was an American professional [football](/source/American_football) player who was a [linebacker](/source/Linebacker) for 12 seasons in the [American Football League](/source/American_Football_League) (AFL) and [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) (NFL). He won two [AFL championships](/source/AFL_championship) with the [Buffalo Bills](/source/Buffalo_Bills), where he was a six-time [AFL All-Star](/source/AFL_All-Star). He was named to the [AFL All-Time Second Team](/source/AFL_All-Time_Second_Team).

Stratton played [college football](/source/College_football) for the [Tennessee Volunteers](/source/Tennessee_Volunteers_football). He played professionally for 11 years with the Bills and spent his final season with the [San Diego Chargers](/source/San_Diego_Chargers). He won two AFL championships with the Bills in 1964 and 1965, with his tackle of [Keith Lincoln](/source/Keith_Lincoln) in the former game being referred to as “The Hit Heard ‘Round the World”. His contributions as a team leader of a defense that allowed just seven points each in consecutive championship games as resulted in him being called one of the best defensive players in Bills history.[1]

## Early life

Stratton attended Tellico Plains High in [Tellico Plains, Tennessee](/source/Tellico_Plains%2C_Tennessee), a [hamlet](/source/Hamlet_(place)) in the [Great Smoky Mountains](/source/Great_Smoky_Mountains) region.[2][3] Football players there did not attract [college recruiters](/source/College_recruiter), and Tellico Plains athletes rarely went to college. Stratton played [tackle](/source/Tackle_(gridiron_football_position)), [fullback](/source/Fullback_(gridiron_football)) and [wingback](/source/Wingback_(American_football)).[2]

Stratton received a [scholarship](/source/Athletic_scholarship) from [Volunteers](/source/Tennessee_Volunteers_football) coach [Bowden Wyatt](/source/Bowden_Wyatt) to play at the [University of Tennessee](/source/University_of_Tennessee).[2] He was a [two-way player](/source/Two-way_player) with Tennessee, playing [tight end](/source/Tight_end) on offense and [defensive end](/source/Defensive_end) on defense.[4]

## Professional career

Drafted out of college by the [Buffalo Bills](/source/Buffalo_Bills) in the 13th round of the [1962 AFL draft](/source/1962_AFL_draft), Stratton was selected as an [AFL All-Star](/source/AFL_All-Star) six straight seasons from 1963 through 1968.[3][5] Bills coach [Lou Saban](/source/Lou_Saban) teamed him with [Harry Jacobs](/source/Harry_Jacobs_(American_football)) and [John Tracey](/source/John_Tracey) to form one of the best linebacking crews, playing together for 62 consecutive games from 1963 through 1967, a pro football record. They helped the Bills defense hold opposing teams without a 100-yard rusher for seventeen consecutive games in [1964](/source/1964_AFL_season) and [1965](/source/1965_AFL_season), capturing [AFL championships](/source/AFL_championship) in both years.[6]

In the [1964 AFL Championship Game](/source/1964_American_Football_League_Championship_Game) against the [San Diego Chargers](/source/San_Diego_Chargers), Stratton made the memorable "hit heard 'round the world".[7][8] San Diego's [Keith Lincoln](/source/Keith_Lincoln) had a 38-yard run on the game's opening play.[9][10] The Chargers were leading 7–0 when Stratton drove his shoulder into Lincoln's midsection, breaking the star [running back](/source/Running_back)'s ribs and knocking him out of the game.[5][7] The Bills shut out San Diego for the rest of the game, and won 20–7.[7] In the closing minutes of the first half with Buffalo leading 13–7, the Chargers drove to the Bills' 15, but Stratton [intercepted](/source/Intercepted) a [Tobin Rote](/source/Tobin_Rote) pass to end the threat. Rote and San Diego coach [Sid Gillman](/source/Sid_Gillman) called the turnover a decisive play.[11] The combined efforts of players such as defensive tackle [Tom Sestak](/source/Tom_Sestak), cornerback [Butch Byrd](/source/Butch_Byrd), and others led to two Bills championships, where they allowed seven points in each contest.

Stratton played 11 seasons for the Bills before ending his career with the Chargers in 1973. He finished his career with 21 interceptions—18 with the Bills and 3 with the Chargers.[5] He was selected to the [AFL All-Time Second Team](/source/American_Football_League_All-Time_Team).[12]

## Later years

After football, Stratton became an executive with insurance company Crump Associates in [Knoxville, Tennessee](/source/Knoxville%2C_Tennessee).[13] He and his wife raised three daughters and one son. The son died in 2023.

On March 25, 2020, Stratton died at age 78 from heart complications after a recent fall.[14]

## See also

- [List of American Football League players](/source/List_of_American_Football_League_players)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Clark Judge (May 13, 2020). ["State Your Case: Buffalo never forgot LB Mike Stratton; so why has Canton?"](https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/.amp/state-your-case/mike-stratton-and-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame). *Sports Illustrated*. Retrieved March 29, 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-johnson_09041961_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-johnson_09041961_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-johnson_09041961_2-2) Johnson, Raymond (September 4, 1961). ["'L'l Abner' End Promises Great Things For Vols"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47438981/). *The Nashville Tennessean*. p. 22. Retrieved March 27, 2020 – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pfr_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pfr_3-1) ["Mike Stratton Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College"](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StraMi01.htm). *[Pro-Football-Reference.com](/source/Pro-Football-Reference.com)*. Retrieved February 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Miller, Jeffrey J. (2012). ["41. The Man Who Made The Hit Heard 'Round The World"](https://books.google.com/books?id=jJ-jt4WU_YwC&q=buffalo%20bills%20%22wall%20of%20fame%22%20stratton%20-died%20-%22passed%20away%22&pg=PT143). *100 Things Bills Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die*. Triumph Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781623680183](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781623680183). Retrieved March 27, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-malorana_03252020_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-malorana_03252020_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-malorana_03252020_5-2) Malorana, Sal (March 25, 2020). ["Mike Stratton, who made one of the most famous plays in Buffalo Bills history, dies at 78"](https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2020/03/25/mike-stratton-buffalo-bills-legend-dies-age-78-linebacker-keith-lincold/5080489002/). *Rochester Democrat and Chronicle*. Retrieved March 26, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Harry Jacobs"](https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/member/harry-jacobs/). Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. July 25, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-buffhof_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-buffhof_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-buffhof_7-2) ["Mike Stratton"](https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/member/mike-stratton/). Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. July 25, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Northrop, Milt (March 26, 2020). ["Amid all his honors, one big hit defined Mike Stratton's great Bills career"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220211225559/https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/amid-all-his-honors-one-big-hit-defined-mike-strattons-great-bills-career/article_815cb12b-cdf0-566c-a3c3-01e45130851f.html). [The Buffalo News](/source/The_Buffalo_News). Archived from [the original](https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/amid-all-his-honors-one-big-hit-defined-mike-strattons-great-bills-career/article_815cb12b-cdf0-566c-a3c3-01e45130851f.html) on February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Brady, Erik (December 26, 2019). ["Mike Stratton's 'Hit Heard 'Round the World': A Bills gift for the ages"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220211225622/https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/mike-strattons-hit-heard-round-the-world-a-bills-gift-for-the-ages/article_cb5c1ab8-7849-5565-ad4d-384b81e4b0c7.html). [The Buffalo News](/source/The_Buffalo_News). Archived from [the original](https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/mike-strattons-hit-heard-round-the-world-a-bills-gift-for-the-ages/article_cb5c1ab8-7849-5565-ad4d-384b81e4b0c7.html) on February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Sullivan, Jerry (January 10, 1992). ["Stratton has a vision of hit against Lincoln"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220211225422/https://buffalonews.com/news/stratton-has-a-vision-of-hit-against-lincoln/article_ed0adcd4-cc28-5192-a483-250105b51c56.html). [The Buffalo News](/source/The_Buffalo_News). Archived from [the original](https://buffalonews.com/news/stratton-has-a-vision-of-hit-against-lincoln/article_ed0adcd4-cc28-5192-a483-250105b51c56.html) on February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Mike Stratton's 230 Pounds Helped Bills"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47439176/). *The Herald-News*. AP. December 28, 1964. p. 37. Retrieved March 27, 2020 – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bleacher_12-0)** ["The Best Outside Linebackers Not in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101007074452/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/395320-the-best-outside-linebackers-not-in-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame). *bleacherreport.com*. May 22, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/395320-the-best-outside-linebackers-not-in-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame#page/12) on October 7, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Where Are They Now?"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47439135/). *Arizona Daily Sun*. November 16, 1979. p. 12. Retrieved March 27, 2020 – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Bills 50th All-Time team member Mike Stratton passes"](https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-50th-all-time-team-member-mike-stratton-passes?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook). *www.buffalobills.com*. Retrieved March 25, 2020.

## External links

- Career statistics from [NFL.com](http://www.nfl.com/players/Mike-Stratton/stats/) · [Pro Football Reference](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StraMi01.htm)

v t e Buffalo Bills Founded in 1960 Based and headquartered in Orchard Park, New York Franchise Franchise History All-time roster Seasons Pro Bowl selections First-round draft picks Starting quarterbacks Coaches NFL in Toronto Stadiums War Memorial Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Rogers Centre (Bills Toronto Series) Highmark Stadium Culture Ralph Wilson Billy Buffalo Buffalo Jills Ken "Pinto Ron" Johnson Tim Russert Buffalo '66 Second String Flutie Flakes "Shout" song "Mr. Brightside" "3 Acts of God" Elway to Marino Four Falls of Buffalo Zubaz Lore Electric Company Wide Right No Punt Game The Comeback Music City Miracle Snowvertime Hail Murray 13 Seconds Rivalries Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Jets Division championships (15) 1964 1965 1966 1980 1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1995 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Conference championships (4) 1990 1991 1992 1993 League championships (2) 1964 1965 Wall of Fame Simpson Kemp McGroder Sestak Shaw Wilson 12th Man Dubenion Stratton Ferguson Levy DeLamielleure James Abramoski Kalsu Saimes Kelly Smerlas Hull Talley Ritcher Thomas Reed Tasker Smith Edgerson Hansen Polian Miller Saban Gilchrist Media Broadcasters Radio Radio Network WGR 550 Television MSG Western New York Personalities: Chris Brown Van Miller Eric Wood Steve Tasker Owners Ralph Wilson Pegula family Terry Kim Current league affiliations League: National Football League (1970–present) Conference: American Football Conference Division: East Division Former league affiliation League: American Football League (1960–1969) Category Commons

v t e Buffalo Bills 1962 AFL draft selections Ernie Davis Glenn Glass John Elwell Tom Dellinger Dave Viti Jim LeCompte Paul White Bill Saul Amos Bullocks Jerry Croft Tom Pennington Ron Gassert Mike Stratton Ron Scufca Roger Kochman Frank Imperiale Tom Sestak Joe Kehoe Bill Johnson Sam Tidmore Carey Henley Tom Hall Ray Abruzzese Stan Sczurek Dave Gash Ed Reynolds Claude Crabb Roy Walker Jim Beaver Cody Binkley Jim Collier Ken Erickson Tony Parilli Ben Charles

v t e Buffalo Bills 1964 AFL champions 3 Pete Gogolak 12 Daryle Lamonica 15 Jack Kemp 20 Bobby Smith 22 Charley Warner 23 Gene Sykes 24 Booker Edgerson 25 Ollie Dobbins 26 George Saimes 30 Wray Carlton 34 Cookie Gilchrist 40 Ed Rutkowski 42 Butch Byrd 43 Joe Auer 44 Elbert Dubenion 45 Hagood Clarke 46 Ray Abruzzese 47 Willie Ross 50 Al Bemiller 51 John Tracey 53 Walt Cudzik 55 Paul Maguire 58 Mike Stratton 60 Dave Behrman 64 Harry Jacobs 66 Billy Shaw 67 Joe O'Donnell 70 Tom Sestak 72 Ron McDole 73 George Flint 74 Tom Keating 75 Dudley Meredith 77 Stew Barber 78 Jim Dunaway 79 Dick Hudson 81 Bill Groman 83 Hatch Rosdahl 84 Ernie Warlick 85 Glenn Bass 88 Tom Day Head coach: Lou Saban Assistant coaches: Joe Collier John Mazur Jerry Smith

v t e Buffalo Bills 1965 AFL champions 3 Pete Gogolak 12 Daryle Lamonica 15 Jack Kemp 20 Bobby Smith 22 Charley Warner 23 Gene Sykes 24 Booker Edgerson 26 George Saimes 27 Tom Janik 30 Wray Carlton 32 Donnie Stone 33 Billy Joe 40 Ed Rutkowski 42 Butch Byrd 43 Joe Auer 44 Elbert Dubenion 45 Hagood Clarke 46 Bo Roberson 48 Pete Mills 49 Floyd Hudlow 50 Al Bemiller 51 John Tracey 52 Bill Laskey 55 Paul Maguire 56 Marty Schottenheimer 58 Mike Stratton 60 Dave Behrman 64 Harry Jacobs 66 Billy Shaw 67 Joe O'Donnell 70 Tom Sestak 72 Ron McDole 73 George Flint 74 Tom Keating 75 Dudley Meredith 76 Henry Schmidt 77 Stew Barber 78 Jim Dunaway 79 Dick Hudson 80 Charley Ferguson 81 Bill Groman 82 Paul Costa 84 Ernie Warlick 85 Glenn Bass 88 Tom Day Head coach: Lou Saban Assistant coaches: Joe Collier John Mazur Jerry Smith

v t e Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team (2009) Offense Jim Kelly (QB) Thurman Thomas (RB) Andre Reed (WR) Eric Moulds (WR) James Lofton (WR) Pete Metzelaars (TE) Jim Ritcher (G) Ruben Brown (G) Joe DeLamielleure (G) Billy Shaw (G) Kent Hull (C) Defense Bruce Smith (DE) Tom Sestak (DT) Fred Smerlas (DT) Darryl Talley (LB) Mike Stratton (LB) Cornelius Bennett (LB) Shane Conlan (LB) Butch Byrd (CB) Nate Odomes (CB) George Saimes (S) Henry Jones (S) Special teams Steve Christie (PK) Brian Moorman (P) Steve Tasker (Gunner) Coach Marv Levy

v t e Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame The 12th Man Edward Abramoski Joe DeLamielleure Elbert Dubenion Booker Edgerson Joe Ferguson Cookie Gilchrist Phil Hansen Kent Hull Robert James Bob Kalsu Jim Kelly Jack Kemp Marv Levy Pat McGroder Van Miller Bill Polian Andre Reed Jim Ritcher Lou Saban George Saimes Tom Sestak O. J. Simpson Billy Shaw Fred Smerlas Bruce Smith Mike Stratton Darryl Talley Steve Tasker Thurman Thomas Ralph Wilson

v t e American Football League All-Time Team Joe Namath Len Dawson Clem Daniels Paul Lowe Lance Alworth Don Maynard Cookie Gilchrist Abner Haynes Charlie Hennigan Art Powell Fred Arbanas Dave Kocourek Ron Mix Jim Tyrer Winston Hill Stew Barber Ed Budde Billy Shaw Walt Sweeney Bob Talamini Jim Otto Jon Morris George Blanda Jim Turner Jerrel Wilson Bob Scarpitto Jerry Mays Gerry Philbin Rich Jackson Ron McDole Houston Antwine Tom Sestak Buck Buchanan Tom Keating Nick Buoniconti Bobby Bell George Webster Dan Conners Larry Grantham Mike Stratton Willie Brown Dave Grayson Butch Byrd Miller Farr Johnny Robinson George Saimes Goose Gonsoulin Kenny Graham Weeb Ewbank Sid Gillman

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mike Stratton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Stratton) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Stratton?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.