Michael Katz is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with Southern Connecticut State University and later pro football for the New York Jets before ending his NFL career with a leg injury in 1968. He is most famous for his appearance with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary film 'Pumping Iron'. He was paid $1,000 to sign a release for appearing in the film. Amateur body building debut: Mr. Connecticut, 1963. Pro body building debut: IFBB Mr. America, 1969. The highlight of his career was in 1972, winning the IFBB Mr. World Tall & Overall classes, and later that year the IFBB Mr. Universe Tall class. He officially retired from competition in 1981..