Jim Mandich

James Michael "Jim" Mandich (July 30, 1948 – April 26, 2011), also known as "Mad Dog", was an American football player. Mandich played college football for the University of Michigan from 1967 to 1969 and was recognized as a consensus first-team tight end on the 1969 College Football All-America Team. A second-round pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, he played in the National Football League (NFL) as a tight end for the Miami Dolphins (1970-1977) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1978). After his playing career ended, he worked as the color commentator for the Miami Dolphins and also hosted a sports talk show on local AM radio in Miami.

Early life

Mandich was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1948. He graduated from Solon High School in Solon, Ohio. While at Solon High, Mandich won 12 letters and was an All-Ohio and All-America football player.

University of Michigan

Mandich enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1965 and played for coach Bump Elliott and coach Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1967 to 1969. As a sophomore, Mandich started six games at the left end position for the 1967 Michigan Wolverines football team that compiled a 4-6 record. Mandich caught 25 passes for 248 yards during the 1967 season.