Mike Daniels is a former American football defensive end best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL).
Michael Wayne Daniels Jr. was born on May 5, 1989, in Stratford, New Jersey, to Cariene and Michael Daniels. He attended Highland Regional High School, where he played on the football team as both a running back and defensive tackle. Over the course of his high school career, his performance steadily improved, culminating in a senior season with 97 tackles and 12 sacks.
After high school, Mike Daniels enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he redshirted his freshman year. As a sophomore, he began seeing regular playing time, participating in 13 games and recording 10 tackles. His role on the team expanded significantly over the ensuing seasons, eventually earning him recognition for his contributions on the defensive line.
Athleticism runs in the Daniels family. His younger brother, Sean Daniels, also played football at Highland Regional and went on to attend Temple University. Sean later played professionally for the Philadelphia Soul in the Arena Football League.
Daniels was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Over seven seasons with the Packers, he became a key figure on the defensive front, known for his strength, intensity, and locker-room leadership. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017, recognizing his standout performance during that season.
In July 2019, shortly before the start of training camp under new head coach Matt LaFleur, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst released Daniels. While the team explored trade options, no suitable deal was reached. Releasing the veteran cleared $8.3 million in cap space and allowed the team to invest in a younger defensive line and explore contract extensions—most notably for rising star Kenny Clark.
After his release, Daniels signed with the Detroit Lions, where he played during the 2019 season. He later had a brief stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. Throughout his NFL career, Daniels earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and respected teammate. His estimated net worth is several million dollars, primarily accumulated through his playing contracts and endorsements.
Mike Daniels married Heaven Daniels on July 12, 2014. The couple met while Mike was attending the University of Iowa. Heaven holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Vocal Performance and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also active as a motivational speaker, philanthropist, singer-songwriter, blogger, professional makeup artist, and certified Zumba instructor.
Together, Mike and Heaven Daniels have three children—two sons and a daughter—who all remarkably share the same birthday of August 3, though born in different years. In August 2018, it was announced that the family was expecting a fourth child. Their focus on faith, family, and public service remains central to their lives off the football field.
| Net Worth 2021: | 23 million |
