John Michels (born March 19, 1973 in La Jolla) California, is a former NFL offensive tackle. He played for USC in college and was All-Pac 10, after being converted from a defensive end. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers in 1996, puzzling many because Michels was not projected to go that high and probably would not be able to start from day one. When then-starter and fellow Trojan Ken Ruettgers went down with a knee injury in training camp, Michels was shoved into his place before he was ready. He performed adequately in his rookie season, but was replaced by veteran Bruce Wilkerson in the playoffs. In 1997, he lost the starting job again to that year's first round pick Ross Verba. Already on the proverbial bubble in 1998, he was injured in training camp and spent the year on injured reserve. After a disappointing training camp in 1999, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for another bust, defensive end Jon Harris. Michels only lasted a couple of weeks before he suffered more injuries, which ultimately ended his career.