The 7 Mellow Men: Bo’s Historic Gridiron Sons!

A Legacy of Excellence, Brotherhood, and Purpose

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The Greatest Class in Michigan Football History

The Historic 7 Mellow Men is widely recognized as the greatest class of student-athletes in the 146-year history of the winningest college football program in NCAA history—The University of Michigan. Known for their unmatched contributions both on and off the field, the Mellow Men helped shape the legacy of Michigan Wolverines football under legendary coach Bo Schembechler.
From their undefeated 1971 season to their influential roles as community leaders, NFL players, and scholars, these seven men are more than athletes—they are icons of excellence, unity, and historic impact. Their journey solidified their place in Michigan football history as trailblazers who changed the game.

Learn more about The Historic 7 Mellow Men.

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Champions On and Off the Gridiron

The Mellow Men played key roles in two of Michigan’s most celebrated seasons. In 1969 and 1971, they led the Wolverines to two Big Ten Championships, including an undefeated 11-0 season in 1971. Their efforts earned the team two trips to the Rose Bowl in 1970 and 1972, showcasing the strength and unity of this legendary class.
Each of the 7 Mellow Men graduated in 1972—cementing their legacy as champions in both academics and athletics.
The Mellow Men of Michigan
Meet the 7 Mellow Men
#42 Dr. Billy Taylor
All-American Running Back, Michigan’s rushing record holder in 1971, team MVP. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. Founder of Detroit’s “Get Back Up” facility and author of Get Back Up.
#35 Thom Darden
All-American Defensive Back, All-Pro, and Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame inductee. Became an NFL agent and executive in the communications industry.
#84 Mike Oldham
Wide Receiver and former player for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). Dedicated his post-football career to community services in Detroit.
#22 Glenn "Shake & Bake" Doughty
All-American Wide Receiver, Baltimore Colts standout in the 1975 turnaround season. Founded the historic Shake & Bake Family Fun Center in Baltimore and after 30 years, retired as CEO of the Award-winning and internationally recognized Career Information & Training Network.
#33 Mike "The Enforcer" Taylor
All-American Middle Linebacker and former 1st round New York Jets player. Later transitioned to a successful career in Detroit’s security industry.
#94 Alden "Butch" Carpenter
Defensive End and Flint City Hall of Fame member. A lawyer honored through the University of Michigan Law School’s Butch Carpenter Scholarship Fund. Butch passed away on February 2, 1978, leaving a legacy of courage and leadership.
#65 Reggie McKenzie
All-American Offensive Guard, inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame and a key figure for the Buffalo Bills. Founder of the Reggie McKenzie Foundation and namesake of the Reggie McKenzie Stadium in Highland Park.
These historic University of Michigan athletes not only reached professional heights in the NFL, but also made impactful contributions to their communities, becoming lifelong role models.

The 7 Historic Mellow Men Video

Mayor Christopher Taylor's Hictoric Proclamation

Celebrating the Den of the Mellow Men & Bo's Historic Gridiron Sons WHEREAS, the two-story house at 1345 Geddes Avenue was where seven Black football players, the largest collection of Black athletes ever at the school on scholarship, made their home from 1970 to 1972, dubbing it The Den of the Mellow Men;
WHEREAS, the seven Black athletes, William "Billy" Taylor (RB), Glenn Doughty (RB/WR), Thomas Darden (DB), Reggie McKenzie (G), Michael Oldham (WR), Michael Taylor (LB), and Alden "Butch" Carpenter (DE), arrived in Ann Arbor to play football in the fall of 1968, and they were soon branding themselves The Mellow Men;
WHEREAS, in 1969, The Mellow Men were starters in Bo Schembechler's first season as head coach. The team defeated the unbeatable Ohio State Buckeyes, 24-12, winning the Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl. The team's victory began college football's greatest rivalry and the famous "10-Year War" between Michigan and Ohio State;
WHEREAS, in 1970, during the Vietnam War, two of The Mellow Men, Billy Taylor and Glenn Doughty, were the first athletes in the country selected by the NCAA and the United States Armed Forces to be All-Americans. The athletes traveled by helicopter across Vietnam to visit American bases and troops;
WHEREAS, in 1971, The Mellow Men led Michigan to its third undefeated season, 11-0, beating Ohio State for their second Big Ten Championship. Billy Taylor, the team MVP, scored a historic touchdown with less than 3 minutes remaining. After the team defeated Ohio State, students tore down the goal post and placed it on the front yard of The Den of the Mellow Men;
WHEREAS, Brian Williams, Assistant Director and Archivist for University History at the University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library said, "In the long history of Michigan football, no other class of scholarship athletes living together in a single house in Ann Arbor has represented Michigan's winning culture like the seven Mellow Men' of the famous 'Den. From student-athletes engaged in activism to playing in the NFL and subsequent philanthropic work, the former occupants of the 'Den' have left an enduring legacy for more than half a century."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, do hereby recognize and thank The Mellow Men for their contributions to the Ann Arbor community and beyond." I encourage all community members to visit The Den of the Mellow Men.
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