BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Former Bridgewater State University standout quarterback Mike McCarthy has signed a contract with the Geneva Seahawks of Switzerland to play professional football in Europe.
Mike, who will head overseas in February to partake in the four month long professional season, will play quarterback for the Seahawks who finished atop their division this past year.
In 41 games over four seasons as the Bears' starting signal-caller, McCarthy completed 361 of 717 passes for a school-record 4,672 yards to go along with 41 touchdowns. He also added 2,806 yards and 42 scores on the ground. McCarthy is by far the program's all-time leader in total offense with 7,478 yards. He also ranks second in Bridgewater State football history in rushing touchdowns and attempts (670), third in rushing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage (.503), and fourth in scoring (252 pts.).
Article from the Martha’s Vineyard Times
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School alumnus Michael McCarthy, class of 2009, last week became the first former Vineyard football player to sign a contract to play professional football. Mike, a star quarterback in his high school days, will join the Geneva Seahawks of Switzerland.
Vineyard varsity football coach Donald Herman coached Michael from elementary school through high school. “He was a smart, dedicated student, always looking for ways to improve his game,” Mr. Herman said.
After taking over the starting position of quarterback in his sophomore year, Michael remained the team’s quarterback for the rest of his high school career. He broke numerous school records and led the team to the Super Bowl in 2008.
After graduation, Michael attended Bridgewater State University (BSU). Michael quickly adapted to the fast pace of collegiate football and thrived. “Michael was a tremendous player,” BSU coach Chuck Denune said. “He practically rewrote the record book at BSU. A player like Michael, you only have the chance to coach athletes like that every four or five years.”
Michael’s outstanding senior year performance qualified him to play in the All-American Bowl and provided an opportunity for him to be seen by many professional coaches. Impressed by his athleticism at the All-American Bowl, representatives of numerous European football teams called him with offers. Michael decided to finish his studies and earned a bachelor’s degree and became a certified physical education teacher before signing with a team.
Michael weighed his options. “I chose Geneva because I really liked the city,” he said. “It was one of the better money offers and had the best benefits.”
Michael now has the opportunity to play football professionally and travel throughout Europe. “The timing of this deal worked out perfectly,” he said.