After graduating college in 1951, Michalik was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to Naval Station Treasure Island and appointed as a recreation assistant. He also joined the base's football team and became the starting right tackle. The 49ers expressed interest in signing him upon his discharge after a scout attended the Pirates' 31–14 win against the Pittsburg Buccaneers.[2] He was discharged on October 9, 1953, and permitted to sign with the 49ers in July via accrued terminal leave.[1]
National Football League career
As a rookie in 1953, Michalik helped the 49ers defeat the Los Angeles Rams with a fumble recovery at the Rams' five-yard line and forced a Rams punt that led to 49ers scores.[4] The following week against the undefeated Cleveland Browns, he hit Browns quarterback Otto Graham in the face with six minutes until halftime, resulting in severe facial bleeding. Graham received 15 stitches and had a plexiglass bar—an early example of a modern facemask—attached to his helmet.[5] The Browns won after Graham's return, and all agreed the hit was accidental.[6][7] He made the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.[8]
Michalik's 1954 season ended when he tore knee ligaments in a tie against the Rams, a game that also resulted in injuries for his teammates and drew condemnation from 49ers owner Tony Morabito and captain Bruno Banducci.[9][10] At the end of the year, he was urged to retire by team doctors but refused, prompting the 49ers to trade him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional draft pick. After Steelers center Bill Walsh's retirement, he became the starter at the position and also played kicker, for two seasons.[11][12]