Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Michael was acquired to help improve their depth at running back with the departure of DeMarco Murray via free agency. After being inactive the first three weeks, it was rumored during the Cowboys bye week that the coaching staff would possibly name him the starter. Instead Michael played in five games as a backup. On November 17, 2015, he was waived to make room for former Seahawks teammate Robert Turbin.[12]
Washington Redskins
On November 19, 2015, Michael was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad. He was released by the team on December 15, 2015.[13]
Seattle Seahawks (second stint)
On December 16, 2015, the Seahawks signed Michael after injuries to Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls.[14] In his first game back with the Seahawks, Michael rushed for a career-high 84 yards against the Cleveland Browns. Michael rushed a new career-high of 102 rushing yards, including a 45-yard run, against the Arizona Cardinals two weeks later.
Michael received his first start in a playoff game in Seattle's Wild Card match up against the Minnesota Vikings and finished the 10–9 victory with 70 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards.
On March 17, 2016, Michael signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
In Week 3 of the 2016 season, Michael had a then career game after rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers.[15]
On November 15, 2016, the Seahawks released Michael, despite being their starting running back for seven games and leading the team in rushing yards and attempts. After much speculation, head coach Pete Carroll cited that his release was due to the return of Thomas Rawls and the emergence of rookie running back C. J. Prosise alongside Michael's significant reduction in effectiveness on the field.[16]
Green Bay Packers
Michael was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers on November 16, 2016.[17]
On March 23, 2017, Michael re-signed with the Packers on a one-year deal worth $800,000.[18] On May 1, 2017, Michael was released by the Packers after the team drafted three running backs in the 2017 NFL draft.[19]
Indianapolis Colts
On June 1, 2017, Michael signed with the Indianapolis Colts.[20] He was placed on injured reserve on June 15, 2017.[21]
On March 21, 2018, Michael re-signed with the Colts.[22] He was released on September 24, 2018.[23]
St. Louis BattleHawks
In October 2019, Michael was drafted by the St. Louis BattleHawks in the 2020 XFL draft.[24] In March, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the league announced that it would be cancelling the rest of the season.[25] Playing in all 5 games, he had 59 rushes for 178 yards and a touchdown.[26] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[27]
