The Michigan Wolverines have historically been one of the best pass rushing and defensive teams in the Big Ten over the past few decades, led by pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo in 2021.
The Wolverines have also quietly turned out tons of pro players during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, including one of the NFL’s most underrated pass rushers: Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna.
Danna, a former Central Michigan Chippewas star, played one season in Ann Arbor, and sacrificed his pass rushing stats for the better of the team.
As a result, he was taken in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, at pick number 177.
On Thursday night, Danna made perhaps the second-biggest defensive play of the game against superstar QB Justin Herbert and the Kansas City Chiefs, unleashing a late but well-executed form tackle that led to the rib injury he suffered.
The tackle was late, but right in the rhythm of the play. Danna was not flagged for the hit.
Looks like a possible rib injury for Justin Herbert pic.twitter.com/yqJHdusTRl
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) September 16, 2022
At 6-foot-2, 260-plus pounds, Danna is a bit undersized for the defensive end position, but has held up well during his time in the league.
He started six games for the Chiefs in 2021, and has started both games so far for Kansas City in 2022.
Danna recorded three sacks last season and two forced fumbles, and now the Chiefs hope he can take on a bigger role with the team.
X-Rays Negative on Herbert
Following the play, Herbert took another hit from a former Michigan Wolverines defensive end — Frank Clark, who converged on the quarterback with Purdue University rookie George Karlaftis upon Herbert’s return.
X-rays on Herbert were negative, but it remains to be seen whether he will play against the Jaguars next Sunday in Inglewood, California.
