Mike Schnitker

James Michael Schnitker is a former professional American football player who played offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos.

Early career
Schnitker played football for Lakewood, he was also active as a wrestler. He won in 1964 a Class AAA championship. He signed in April 1965 a letter of intend for the University of Colorado. He played as a defensive end for Colorado. In 1967 he won with Calorado the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl but didn't play because of a knee-injury and went into surgery. He was selected UPI All-Big Eight Second Team Defense and a AP All-Big Eight First Team Defensive. He also got a honorable mention for the All-America Teams.

He started the 1968 season playing with an "Iron Boot" after his injury last season and switched to linebacker. He got selected Big Eight Lineman of the week in October 1968 after a game against Iowa State. He was after the season selected as AP All-Big Eight Second Team Defensive. In December 1968 he was selected for the California all-opponents team, together with teammate Mike Montler to play in the Hula Bowl as part of the South team. He also played for the West team in the All-America football game together with Mike Montler.

Professional career
In the 1969 NFL draft he got chosen as 84th in the fourt round by the Denver Broncos were he played as a guard. In November 1969 he was injured with a hamstring-injury. In April 1970 he re-signed with the Broncos together with John Johnson, Al Giffin, Alan Pastrana and Wandy Williams. He again suffered a knee-injury in October 1970. Also in November 1971 was he carried of the field with a knee-injury. In July 1972 he re-signed with the Denver Broncos together with Mike Current. In the summer of 1975 he underwent surgery for his knee but didn't return to pro football afterwards. He played 74 games in which he started 26 for the Denver Broncos.