2026 PFN Player Profile: Michael Gary-TB/TE/LB-Palmerton
Tagged under: District 11, News, Player Previews
Cody Brady | July 8, 2026
Michael Garey
Palmerton Area High School
Class Of 2028
Tailback, Halfback/tightend, Inside linebacker
Jersey #24
5’10/180
Week 5 – 135 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns Week 8 – 136 yards, 3 touchdowns Season – Tackles for loss – 8, Sacks – 4.5
Other sports Basketball, Track
Times news player of the week https://www.tnonline.com/20251016/fb-player-of-the-week-palmertons-garey/
Twitter/X @Mikey_240703
Coach Says: Michael has very good instincts defensively and can cover sideline to sideline. He blitzes well and can pressure the QB when needed. Offensively, he has a north south running style which is good for our offense. He really came on strong last year as a sophomore to contribute heavily on both sides of the ball. We need him continue to mature and develop his techniques along with his fundamentals so he can elevate his play to another level.
Why do you play football?
I play football for the love of the game and for my future. I also play to make my family proud, to prove myself to any doubters, and to make lifelong friends and memories.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
On game day, I’m looking forward to the pregame warmups, the breakout runs in game, the gritty defensive moments, and the school band and my teammates hyping me up.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
My favorite sports star is Stephen Curry. Although he’s not a player in my sport, he is very inspirational and has been to me since I was a kid. He changed the game not just for basketball but for all sports. He helped inspire undersized athletes to keep doing what they love. He helped me realize that no matter how small or big, slow or fast, or outmatched you are you can succeed as long as you put in the work and have grit.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My favorite play was the game sealing touchdown against Salisbury. It wasn’t a big run or anything but the play went as planned and got us the win along with the next defensive drive.
What was last years season like for you?
Last years season was good for me in that I proved my self a starter on all sides of the ball, and that we proved we could still hang without a lot of our starting lineup playing.
What are your goals for this coming season?
My goals for this season is to make a good playoff run with the team. My personal goal is to get at least 10 sacks and have over 1,000 yards rushing.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
The best player I’ve ever lineup against is my former teammate Logan Anthony, committed to Rutgers.
When the game is on the line, which college/professional coach would you like to call in the play?
I would have prime Mike Tomlin, John Madden or Pete Carroll call in a play.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
I would love to visit the Pitt Panthers or PennState Nittany Lions for a college game, and the Pittsburgh Steelers or Seattle Seahawks for a professional game.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite game I’ve ever watched in recent years was either the Steelers Vs Ravens game where Mark Andrew’s dropped the game winning touchdown against us, or the Pennstate vs SMU college playoff game from 2 years ago.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
I would choose the longest yard because it shows a lot of c
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
“Run Mikey”
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Play quarterback just to see how it feels.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My mentor is my stepdad. I aspire to be like him because he’s always giving me great advice and life lessons. One other reason is because he never makes excuses, just always gets what’s needed to be done done.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
I’d love to play volleyball or lacrosse but my school doesn’t offer it, and I’m not sure what season it’s in.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
My most embarrassing sports moment is when I air balled a shot in basketball, not the greatest basketball player.
If you could only drive one car for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Honda civic, or Mercedes amg coupe.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
My go to activity is working or spending time with family and friends. This is because I love money and I love my family and friends.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
Probably either the bus ride home from Salisbury.
What is your favorite play to run?
Trap or cowboy
What scares you the most?
Not being able to play football
Music of choice:
Rnb/rap
What is the most food you ever ate in one sitting?
Probably anytime I went to the Chinese Buffett in Allentown
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
Big burrito from chipotle, or Longhorn ribeye with 2 sides.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Ocean city new jersey
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
In person Illinois vs penn state 9 overtime game, on tv I think the Green Bay packers vs Dallas cowboys game where dez Bryant had the controversial game changing drop.
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