Background and career
Christine Lynn Michael Sr. (; born November 9, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.
A native of Beaumont, Texas, Michael attended West Brook Senior High School in Beaumont and played high school football for the West Brook Bruins. He rushed for 4,234 yards on 501 carries. He was also named the District 21-5A Offensive MVP as a junior in 2007. He won the 2009 Walter Payton Trophy for the best high school football athlete. He participated in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was a finalist for the 2008 Hall Trophy for the best player in the nation. Michael was also on the West Brook Senior High School track team, where he competed as a sprinter. He was timed at 11.02 seconds in the 100 meters as a junior. He was also a member of the 4 × 100m (42.00) and 4 × 200m (1:28.45) relay squads. Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Michael was listed the third best running back prospect in the nation (behind Hall Trophy winner and fellow US Army All-American Bryce Brown and Alabama's Trent Richardson).
Michael accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Texas A&M University, where he played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team from 2009 to 2012. In 2009, after posting 844 total rushing yards on 166 carries, Michael received Offensive Freshman of the Year honors from the Big 12 Conference. Michael underwent season-ending surgery during the 2010 season due to a cracked right tibia. He compiled 631 total yards for four touchdowns.
Michael was selected in the second round (62nd overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2013 NFL draft. During his first two seasons, Michael saw limited action as the third running back behind Pro-Bowl veteran Marshawn Lynch and backup Robert Turbin. The Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos and made an appearance in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots during that time. Michael was traded to the Dallas Cowboys on September 6, 2015, after the Seahawks signed veteran Fred Jackson. In exchange for Michael, the Seahawks received a conditional seventh-round draft pick (number 225, Devin Lucien).
Michael was acquired to help improve their depth at running back with the departure of DeMarco Murray via free agency. After being inactive the first three weeks, it was rumored during the Cowboys bye week that the coaching staff would possibly name him the starter. Instead Michael played in five games as a backup. On November 17, 2015, he was waived to make room for former Seahawks teammate Robert Turbin.
On November 19, 2015, Michael was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad. He was released by the team on December 15, 2015.
