John-Michael Liles played college hockey for Michigan State University from 1999 to 2003. A standout offensive defenseman, he was a key player for the Spartans, winning two consecutive CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman awards. In his senior season, he led the team in scoring with 50 points, which included 16 goals and 34 assists. His exceptional performance that year earned him a place as a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

Following his collegiate career, Liles had a successful professional career in the NHL. Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche, he made the team right out of college for the 2003-04 season. That year, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team after leading all rookie defensemen with 34 points. He played for the Avalanche for seven seasons before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and later played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. Liles was also a regular on the international stage, representing Team USA at the 2006 Winter Olympics.