Downs, born on June 9, 1959 and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas, lettered in track and field, and was accepted a football scholarship from Rice University where he became a three-year starter at safety.
Downs graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas. He also lettered in track and field. He accepted a football scholarship from Rice University, where he became a three-year starter at safety. Michael Lynn Downs (born June 9, 1959) is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Phoenix Cardinals. 
