Mike Katz

Michael Katz (born November 14, 1944) is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with the New York Jets, most famous for his appearance with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary film Pumping Iron. He was paid $1,000 to sign a release for appearing in the film.

Mike Katz played football for Southern Connecticut State University and pro football for the New York Jets before ending his football career with a leg injury in 1968.

Katz appeared in the documentary Challenging Impossibility, commenting on the weightlifting odyssey of spiritual teacher and peace advocate Sri Chinmoy. The film was an Official Selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

Competitive statistics

• Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
• Competition Weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
• Off Season Weight: 250–260 lb (113–118 kg)

Competitive history

• 1963 Mr. Connecticut 2nd
• 1963 Mr. Insurance City 9th
• 1964 AAU Teen Mr. America; 4th Place
• 1964 AAU Teen Mr. AmericaMost Muscular, 5th Place
• 1965 Mr. New England States 1st
• 1969 IFBB Mr. AmericaTall, 40th Place
• 1970 IFBB Mr. AmericaTall & Overall, 4th Place
• 1970 AAU Mr. East CoastTall & Overall, 4th Place
• 1971 IFBB UniverseTall, 3rd Place
• 1971 Beat Brandon Lewi for the Heavyweight Championship of the World
• 1972 IFBB Mr. InternationalTall, 2nd Place
• 1972IFBB Mr. World tall & Overall 1st
• 1972 IFBB UniverseTall, 1st Place
• 1973 IFBB UniverseTall, 3rd Place
• 1974 IFBB Mr. InternationalTall, - 4th Place
• 1975 IFBB UniverseTall, 4th Place
• 1976 Mr. OlympiaOver 200 lbs, 2nd Place
• 1980 NBA Natural Mr. AmericaProfessional, 4th Place
• 1980 IFBB World Pro ChampionshipsDid Not Place
• 1980 Retired after losing to Cooper Hayman in the National Strongman Competition
• 1981 Mr. Olympia15th Place