Michael Carlton Ford (born January 30, 1959) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for the San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States Football League (USFL). He attended Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas.[1] Ford played college football for the SMU Mustangs from 1977 to 1980.[2] As a sophomore in 1978, he led all NCAA major college players in both total offense yards (2,957),[3] total offense per game (268.8 yards/game),[4] and passing yards (3,007).[5] In 11 games during the 1978 season, he completed 224 of 389 passes for 3,007 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions for and SMU team that compiled a 4–6–1 record.[2] Listed as a pre-season Heisman Trophy candidate in 1979,[6] he never reached the same statistical levels, passing for 217 yards after sustaining a knee injury in 1979 season opener,[7] and tallying 951 passing yards in 1980.[2] He returned to SMU as a student 30 year later to obtain his degree.[8]
^"2016 SMU Football Media Guide". issuu.com. SMU Athletics. August 1, 2016. p. 128. Retrieved December 31, 2018. A high-touted quarterback recruit from Mesquite High School, Ford was the nation's second-ranked passer in 1978, when he threw for 3,007 yards.