Michael "Mike" Lazik

Auburn Panthers, Seattle Cavaliers, Pierce County Bengals

Offensive Guard / Middle Linebacker

1987 - 2000

A stalwart anchor of the offensive line for well over a decade, the former Yakima Valley College player and self-described "shortest lineman in the league", Lazik played on three of the Northwest's legendary teams of the 80s and 90s.

After leaving Yakima, Mike joined the 1987 Auburn Panthers during their final season of a historic 57-1 run through four seasons, winning the NFA championship for the fourth year in a row.  When the Panthers shut down, the Seattle Cavaliers were the next destination for the final seasons of that storied franchise, traveling the country on the Cavs farewell tour, winning the Western States Championship in 1988.

Lazik would be reunited with his first coach with the Panthers, Ron Baines.  Following the Panthers final season, Ron had set out resurrecting the Pierce County Bengals name, a franchise that dominated the 1970's and set Baines on his minor league career in 1972.  The stout and competitive guard anchored the new Bengals through the 90's as the team made 5-straight NWFL championship game appearances from 1988 - 1992 winning the '92 crown.  Pierce County would not miss the playoffs during Lazik's tenure where he played guard and at times middle linebacker when the need arose.  The Bengals would again make the NWFL championship game in 1998 as Lazik earned 3rd team All-League honors on the offensive line.

After 14-years in the trenches, Mike retired from minor league football in 2000 having won championships with all three storied franchises.

When asked about his career, Mike is quoted as saying "The thing I miss the most is the team brotherhood.  Hearing Ron Baines yelling on the sidelines every Saturday!"