Mike Neal

Michael Jamel Neal (born June 26, 1987) is an American football outside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.

High School

A native of Merrillville, Indiana, he attended Merrillville High School where he was first team all-state as senior after totaling 59 tackles, including 24 for loss and 12 sacks, with 20 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups and one blocked kick. As a junior, had 49 tackles, including 14 for loss and four sacks, with three pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 29th best strongside defensive end prospect of his class.

College career

Neal attended Purdue University from 2005 to 2009. After redshirting his 2005 freshman year, he appeared in nine games as a sophomore, he had nine tackles, including 1.0 for loss, and one pass breakup despite missing five games with turf toe injury. In 2007, he appeared in all 13 games, and recorded 22 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and 2.0 sacks, with one pass breakup. In 2008, he appeared in all 12 games, including 11 starts. He ranked second on team with 5.5 sacks and third with 10.0 tackles for loss, while adding 33 total tackles. As a redshirt senior, he started all 12 games, finishing third on the team in tackles for loss with 11.5 and second in sack with 5.0, while forcing one fumble.