At 6'6" and 320 pounds, 18-year-old Tony Mandarich was an absolute monster, and regularly humiliated players across the league for Michigan State. He was taken as the second overall pick in 1989, in between legendary QB Troy Aikman, and RB Barry Sanders, both set for the Hall Of Fame, though despite Mandarich's size, he never looked comfortable in the league, and was frequently bullied by opponents on the field. He lasted two years with the Green Bay Packers before spiralling into drug and alcohol addictions. He made an admirable recovery to salvage some of his career with a couple of average years with the Colts, but never excelled as he should have done.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
