Mike Doss Michael Allen Doss ( born March 24 , 1981 ) is a former American college and professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League ( NFL ) for six seasons during the early 2000s . He played college football for Ohio State University , earned All - American honors , and was a member of a national championship team . The Indianapolis Colts chose him in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft , and he played professionally for the Colts , Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL . Early years . Doss was born in Canton , Ohio . He attended Canton McKinley High School , and played high school football for the McKinley Bulldogs . He led the Bulldogs to back - to - back state football championships , as well as a " USA Today " national championship , as a running back , linebacker , and safety . As a senior , he had 1 , 454 yards rushing , 22 touchdown s , 111 tackles , and three interception s and won all - state honors and an All - America honorable mention by " USA Today " . College career . Doss attended Ohio State University , where he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from 1999 to 2002 . He started 40 out of 50 career games and was a three - time first - team All - Big Ten selection and a three - time first - team All - America choice by the " Sporting News " . He had 331 career tackles , eight interceptions , eight fumble s recovered , and six quarterback sack s . With Doss starting all 14 games as a senior , Ohio State won the BCS National Championship by defeating the Miami Hurricanes 31 – 24 in the Fiesta Bowl , with Doss intercepting a Ken Dorsey pass to give Ohio State the lead . As as senior , he also was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year , and a unanimous first - team All - American . Doss was inducted into the Ohio State Football Hall of Fame in 2011 . Professional career . Indianapolis Colts . In 2003 , the Indianapolis Colts drafted Doss in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft . In that season , he started 15 games at strong safety , amassing 101 tackles and three interceptions . Doss was released by the Colts after the 2006 season . Minnesota Vikings . On April 4 , 2007 Doss was signed to a one - year contract by the Minnesota Vikings . He played in eight games . Cincinnati Bengals . Doss was then signed by the Cincinnati Bengals on December 9 , 2008 after the team released defensive end Josh Mallard . He was released by the team on April 27 , 2009 . Personal . In 2005 , Mike Doss founded The Michael A . Doss Foundation ( Make A Difference campaign ) . MDF was founded to assist in the advancement of education , relief of the underprivileged and underserved youth and the promotion of social welfare by lessening neighborhood tensions , eliminating prejudice and discrimination , and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency . More information is available at www . MADifference . org . In 2010 Doss was has named the winner of the Canton Jaycees Distinguished Service Award . Doss and the Mike Doss Foundation have been responsible for the Make A Difference Youth Football Camp at Fawcett Stadium . Approximately 200 children , ages 8 – 12 , have participated annually . Doss also is responsible for the Back to School Block Party for Canton City Schools students . By partnering with local companies and organizations , Doss ’ organization has distributed goods with a total value of $ 20 , 000 . Doss also continues to provide gifts to local children during the holiday season and serves as a motivational speaker for students in Canton City Schools as requested .