Former Patriots Quarterback, College Hall of Famer, Dies at 58

Michael Proctor, a historic quarterback at Murray State University, had a brief professional career with the NFL's New England Patriots.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Michael Proctor, a former New England Patriots quarterback who was inducted into the Murray State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, has died at the age of 58. Proctor had a standout college career at Murray State, where he set numerous passing and total yardage records, before signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He spent time on the Patriots' practice squad in 1990 before playing in the World League of American Football and Arena Football League later in his career.

Why it matters

Proctor's passing is a loss for the Murray State and New England Patriots communities, as he was a respected figure in both programs. His college career achievements and brief professional experience highlight the challenges many talented players face in making it to the highest levels of football.

The details

Proctor was a four-year starter at quarterback for Murray State University, where he set school records with 8,632 passing yards and 9,886 total yards. He led the Racers to the Division I-AA playoffs as a freshman in 1989. After going undrafted, Proctor signed with the Patriots in 1990 and spent time on their practice squad before being released. He later played in the World League of American Football and Arena Football League before returning to college to earn his MBA and work in occupational safety for over 25 years.

  • Proctor was inducted into the Murray State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
  • Proctor signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 1990 and spent time on their practice squad until being released in August of that year.
  • Proctor played for the Montreal Machine in the World League of American Football in 1991 and 1992.
  • Proctor played for the Charlotte Rage in the Arena Football League from 1994 to 1996.

The players

Michael Proctor

A former quarterback who had a standout college career at Murray State University, where he set numerous passing and total yardage records, before briefly playing in the NFL with the New England Patriots and other professional leagues.

Murray State University

The college where Proctor played quarterback and set numerous records, including career passing yards and total yards. Proctor was inducted into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.

New England Patriots

The NFL team that signed Proctor as an undrafted free agent in 1990, and he spent time on their practice squad before being released.

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The takeaway

Proctor's story highlights the challenges many talented college football players face in transitioning to the professional ranks, even after standout careers at the collegiate level. His induction into the Murray State Athletics Hall of Fame and the retirement of his jersey number demonstrate the lasting impact he had on the program and the local community.