MTSU Standout and Super Bowl Champion Assistant Coach Mike Caldwell Announced as 2021 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Feb. 18, 2021 - NASHVILLE, TN – Mike Caldwell, a standout linebacker at MTSU, an 11-year NFL veteran, and an assistant coach for the Super Bowl LV Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a 2021 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Caldwell was surprised Thursday by the Voice of MTSU Athletics, Chip Walters and Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

An Oak Ridge, Tennessee native, Caldwell’s career at MTSU included 52 games played from 1989-1992. Caldwell collected 248 career tackles, and as a senior earned All-OVC and All-American honors. He also was a starter in the Blue-Gray All Star Game.

Caldwell was drafted into the NFL by the Cleveland Browns in the third Round of the 1993 NFL Draft and played 11 seasons with the Browns, Ravens, Cardinals, Eagles, Bears and Panthers.

In 2008, Caldwell began his NFL coaching career as a defensive quality control coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, before moving on to coach with Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets. In 2019, Caldwell joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff as their Inside Linebackers Coach and was part of the coaching staff that claimed the Super Bowl LV title.

“We are excited to announce the first of 11 inductees into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and we are proud of this Tennessee Native who has gone on to achieve great things,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Mike Caldwell’s story is one that is proof of hard work and dedication, and we are thrilled to have him as part of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2021.”

The full 2021 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released in the coming weeks.

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

For more information, visit www.tshf.net.

About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Bridgestone Arena, right outside of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.