Michael Joseph Ruth (born June 25, 1964) was an American football player. Ruth was a member of the College Football All-America Team and the winner of the 1985 Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman. After two seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots in 1986 and 1987, Ruth finished his pro career with the Barcelona Dragons of the World League of American Football in 1991 and 1992.