[1][2] In football, he was a USA Today High School All-American selection, a PrepStar all-region honoree, named the No.

Karney rushed for 800 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior as his team went to the Class 4A state title game, its first appearance in 10 years.

Karney is said to have trained in college by strapping his car to his back and attempt to pull it around.

[6] Karney was signed to three-year $1.3 million contract on July 29, 2004,[7] and proved to be a solid lead blocker and average receiver out of the backfield.

Karney was needed because, according to ESPN's John Clayton, "The Rams have been struggling at that position since they released Madison Hedgecock early in 2007."

[8] On the day of the Karney signing, Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo said, "Mike has proven to be a solid fullback since entering the league in 2004.