Michael Theodore Gaechter (January 9, 1940 – August 17, 2015) was an American football safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Oregon. Early years Born in Santa Monica, California, Gaechter graduated from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, where he was a standout in track and played as a halfback in football. Gaechter enrolled at the University of Oregon. Because of grades he transferred to Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, where he competed in the long jump, the 100, 200, low and high hurdles, and the relay team. In 1961, he earned his reacceptance to the University of Oregon. That year during a track meet at the University of Washington in Seattle, he recorded his fastest time with 9.4 seconds in the 100-yard dash at Husky Stadium. In 1962, Gaechter with teammates Mel Renfro, Jerry Tarr, and Harry Jerome, ran the third leg on the University of Oregon’s world record setting team, in the 4x110 yard relay. The team also won the NCAA championship. Gaechter’s main college sport was track and field, becoming a first-time starter in football until his senior year at halfback. He also played linebacker and was voted the team's most improved player. Professional career Dallas Cowboys Gaechter was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 1962 as an undrafted free agent and became the starting left cornerback as a rookie because of injuries. He registered 5 interceptions. In that season, the Cowboys became the first NFL team in history to produce two 100-yard plays in the same game: a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Gaechter and a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by running back Amos Marsh. His interception return was a franchise record that was broken by Bryan McCann 48 years later in 2010. In 1963, although he had a track background, he was a punishing hitter so he was switched to strong safety. Against the Washington Redskins, he set a franchise record with 121 return interceptions yards (2 interceptions) in a single-game. In 1964, he started the first 4 games until fracturing his elbow. In 1965, he was mostly a reserve player, starting 5 games. On November 28, he returned an attempted field goal 60 yards for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins. In 1966, he regained his starter position. He earned the reputation as a feared defensive player in