Former Patriots QB 'The General' Michael Proctor Dies at 58
Michael Proctor, who played for the New England Patriots after a record-setting college career at Murray State, has died at 58. No cause of death reported.
Murray State announced Proctor’s death on social media Tuesday. No cause of death has been reported.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Murray State Athletics hall of Famer and Stable of Honor inductee, Michael Proctor,” the university said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Proctor Family and all of his teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback dominated college football in Kentucky during the late 1980s. As a four-year starter for the Murray State Racers, Proctor earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors twice and was named the conference’s Player of the Year in 1989.
Proctor threw for a conference record 9,886 yards during his college career, numbers that caught the attention of NFL scouts despite his relatively modest size for a professional quarterback.
Though he went undrafted in 1990, Proctor signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns during his NFL stint.
After his brief NFL career, Proctor continued playing professionally in multiple leagues. He suited up for the Montreal Machine, the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League, and the Charlotte Rage in arena football before retiring in 1996.
During his arena league career, Proctor threw for 3,492 yards and 51 touchdowns while adding 12 rushing scores.
Former teammates and coaches remembered Proctor as both a talented player and a positive presence in the locker room.
“Seeing Michael Proctor’s #11 jersey hanging up inspired everybody who put on a @racersfootball uniform,” Casey Brockman wrote on social media. “He was a great person and his smile could light up a room for hours. Homecoming won’t be the same without him. Gone but never forgotten!”
Proctor’s death marks another loss for the Patriots’ extended family, as former players from the franchise’s early 1990s roster continue to face health challenges in their later years. The Patriots organization has not yet issued a statement on Proctor’s passing.
