Ovie Mughelli life and biography

Ovie Mughelli is an American football fullback for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. He signed a 6-year, $18 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus on March 2, 2007 with the Falcons.

TRANSACTIONS
Originally selected as the second of two fourth round (134th pick overall) draft choices by Baltimore Ravens in the 2003 NFL Draft. The choice was a compensatory pick. Signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on March 2, 2007.

CAREER
A powerful run-blocker with good ability to pick up the blitz, and has a punishing running style. Was the key blocker for running back Michael Turner to rush for his first career 1,000-yard season in 2008 while finishing second in the NFL with 1,699 yards. Saw action in 16 games with eight starts in 2006 to help propel the Ravens into the postseason with a 13-3 regular season record as he was named to USA Today's All-Joe Team.

2009 (FALCONS)
Competed in 14 games starting in eight and totaled four rushes for 10 yards and seven receptions for 51 yards with one touchdown. In the season opener against Miami (9/13), posted two receptions for 22 yards in addition to Atlanta's first touchdown of the season. Opened up holes for a rushing attack that totaled 148 yards against San Francisco (10/11) as the offense produced 477 total yards. Hauled in one reception for eight yards against Washington (11/8), in addition to blocking for a ground game that registered 181 total yards. Posted six rushing yards on two carries at Tampa Bay (1/3) and helped lead the way for a ground game that recorded a season-high 183 total yards.

2008 (FALCONS)
Saw action in all 16 games with 14 starts and totaled five rushes for 16 yards and eight receptions for 57 yards. Recorded one reception for three yards vs. Detroit (9/7) in addition to opening running lanes for a ground game that totaled a franchise single-game high 318 yards. Logged two catches for 23 yards at Oakland (11/2) and helped block for a rushing game that tallied 252 total yards. Notched two receptions for 22 yards vs. Denver (11/16). Started at fullback for an offensive attack that totaled 392 yards vs. Carolina (11/23). Saw action at fullback for an offensive unit that totaled 417 yards against St. Louis (12/28).

2007 (FALCONS)
Logged six rushes for seven yards and one touchdown while adding six receptions for 36 yards. Posted his first career rushing touchdown on a one-yard run in the second quarter vs. San Francisco (11/4) and finished the game with two carries for two yards with one score. Tallied one catch for a season-long 12 yards vs. Tampa Bay (11/18). Recorded one reception for six yards at Arizona (12/23) in addition to clearing running lanes for a ground attack that tallied 102 total yards.

2006 (RAVENS)
Saw action in 16 games with a career-high eight starts and posted career-high totals in carries (12), rushing yards (50), receptions (21), receiving yards (182) and touchdowns (two). Named second-team All-Pro and to USA Today's All-Joe Team. Also posted 14 special teams stops. Blocked for a Ravens offense that tallied 138 rushing yards vs. Oakland (9/17) and posted two special teams tackles. Recorded three receptions for 44 yards and scored his first career touchdown on a career-long 30-yard catch in the 27–26 victory at Tennessee (11/12). Pulled in a career-high five receptions for a career-high 49 yards and tallied two carries for four yards in the season finale victory vs. Buffalo (12/31).

2005 (RAVENS)
Saw action in 13 games with five starts and help-ed pave the way for the Ravens to rush for 1,605 yards. Also pulled in three receptions for 13 yards and finished fourth on the team with 16 special teams tackles. Led the team with four special teams tackles in the 16–13 overtime victory in Week 11 vs. Pittsburgh (11/20). Saw action off the bench and helped pave the way for the Ravens to rush for a season-high 182 yards, including 105 by Jamal Lewis in the 48–3 victory vs. Green Bay (12/19).

2004 (RAVENS)
Saw action in three games, recording two special teams tackles, before being placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury on November 17.

2003 (RAVENS)
Saw action in six regular season games and one postseason game as a rookie and recorded five special teams tackles, adding one in the postseason. Saw his first NFL action on special teams at San Diego (9/21) and posted one solo special teams tackle. Played on special teams and had three tackles in the season finale vs. Pittsburgh (12/28).

COLLEGE
Played in 44 career games, starting 33 at Wake Forest, where he was the team's starting fullback and also played tight end in one-back sets. Carried the ball 137 times for 530 yards and 13 touchdowns while in college. Also had 18 receptions for 164 yards and 14 special teams tackles as a Demon Deacon. Earned second-team All-America honors in addition to being named an All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection as a fullback by The NFL Draft Report. Started every game as a senior, gaining a career-high 322 yards on 81 carries with 12 touchdowns.

PERSONAL
Rushed for more than 4,500 yards and scored 69 touchdowns during his career at Porter-Gaud (Charleston, SC) High School, where he was a three-time All-Conference and team MVP honoree. Ran for 2,167 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior and was named the state Player of the Year in his classification in addition to being chosen as a regional All-Star selection in all divisions. Led the team to a state title (independent school division) in 1996 and state runner-up honors during his senior year (1997). In February 2006, Ovie took part in the Harvard Graduate Business School's Business Education program for NFL players. The program is part of an ongoing NFL-NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers. Born Ovie Phillip Mughelli on June 10, 1980 in Charleston, South Carolina.

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