Hall of Fame
Michael Katz, ’66, played offensive guard for the NFL’s New York Jets from his graduation until 1968. He was best known internationally as an amateur and professional bodybuilder, winning the “Mr. America” title in 1970, “Mr. Universe” in 1972, “Mr. World” in 1972, and “Mr. Olympia” runner-up in 1975. He co-starred in the 1977 hit documentary “Pumping Iron.” Katz was a highly respected judge for the International Federation of Bodybuilding and was a 1996 inductee of the New Haven Gridiron Club Hall of Fame. He was president of World Gym Fitness in Branford and Hamden, and spent 33 years as a Hamden educator and coach.
