Tony Mandarich
Tony Mandarich was born in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, the son of Croatian immigrants who instilled in him a grit and determination to accomplish the impossible. Tony grew up with a love for football, and decided early in his life that he would play professionally. After a highly successful and nationally publicized collegiate career at Michigan State University, Tony was drafted number two overall in 1989 by the Green Bay Packers. The hype about being “the best offensive line prospect ever,” along with Tony’s addictions, was more than he could live up to, and his life came crashing down around him. After three more years of alcohol and painkiller abuse, Tony accepted the hand of God, went into treatment and now considers it a privilege to be able to help other addicts and alcoholics when called upon. Tony and his wife, Charlavan, have four children; they own and operate Mandarich Media Group, LLC, in Scottsdale, AZ, a full-service web media business specializing in web site development and optimization, video production, photography and Internet marketing. |
My Dirty Little Secrets - Steroids, Alcohol and God: The Tony Mandarich Story and Synopsis: As Tony Mandarich left Green Bay in February, 1993, his football career in shambles, Packer Plus staff writer, Tom Mulhern, wrote the following: "The overriding sentiment, however, is one of emptiness. Not so much for promises unfulfilled, but for sins not repented. Maybe some day Mandarich will set the record straight and answer all the nagging questions he leaves behind. I hope so."
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