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Jim Mandich
Jim Mandich
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James Michael Mandich (July 30, 1948 – April 26, 2011), also known as "Mad Dog", was an American professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Mandich played college football for the Michigan Wolverines 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 NFL 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.

Key Information

Early life

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Mandich was born in Cleveland to a Serbian immigrant father.[1] He graduated from Solon High School in Solon, Ohio.[2] While at Solon High, Mandich won 12 letters and was an All-Ohio and All-America football player.[3]

University of Michigan

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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.[4] Mandich caught 25 passes for 248 yards during the 1967 season.[5]

As a junior, Mandich started eight of ten games at the left end position for the 1968 Michigan team that improved to 8-2 and was ranked No. 12 in the final AP Poll.[6] With Dennis Brown at quarterback, Mandich caught 42 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns.[5] Brown and Mandich were both selected by the Associated Press (AP) as first-team players on the 1968 All-Big Ten Conference football team.[7]

Prior to the start of his senior season, Mandich was elected captain of the 1969 Michigan team under new head coach Bo Schembechler.[8] Mandich led the 1969 team to a Big Ten Conference championship, an upset victory over Ohio State and the 1970 Rose Bowl.[9] Mandich had the best game of his collegiate career on October 11, 1969, catching 10 passes for 156 yards while scoring a touchdown and setting up two others in a victory over Purdue.[10] Over the course of the 1969 season, Mandich caught 51 passes for 676 yards and three touchdowns and was selected by the AP as a first-team All-Big Ten player for the second consecutive year.[11] Mandich was also selected as the most valuable player on the 1969 Michigan team,[9] and a consensus first-team tight end on the 1969 College Football All-America Team.[12]

Mandich finished his collegiate career at Michigan ranked second only to Jack Clancy in career receptions (Mandich had 118, Clancy had 132) and receiving yards (Mandich had 1,489, Clancy had 1,917).[5] Mandich was inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 1994 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.[13]

Professional football

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Miami Dolphins

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Mandich was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round (29th overall pick) of the 1970 NFL draft.[2] He signed with the Dolphins in July 1970.[14]

Mandich joined the Dolphins in 1970, their first season under head coach Don Shula. Mandich appeared in 14 games for the 1970 Dolphins, but caught only one pass for three yards and a touchdown against the Houston Oilers on September 27, 1970.[2] In Mandich's second NFL season, the Dolphins lost Super Bowl VI to the Dallas Cowboys. Mandich appeared in 11 games for the 1971 Dolphins and caught three passes for 19 yards and a touchdown.[2]

In his third year in the NFL, Mandich appeared in all 14 games for the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins that defeated the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. Mandich had 11 catches for 168 yards and three touchdowns for the 1972 Dolphins.[2] In the playoffs, he had two catches, a five-yard catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 19-yard reception in Super Bowl VII.

In 1973, Mandich again appeared in all 14 games for the Dolphins team that defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII. Mandich caught 24 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns for the 1973 Dolphins.[2]

Mandich's most productive year in the NFL was 1974, when he again appeared in all 14 games and had 33 receptions for 374 yards and six touchdowns.[2] Mandich remained with the Dolphins through the 1977 season, totaling 21 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns in 1975 and 22 catches for 260 yards and four touchdowns in 1977, before dropping off in 1978 to only six catches for 63 yards.[2]

Pittsburgh Steelers

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In May 1978, the Dolphins traded Mandich to the Washington Redskins in exchange for two eighth-round draft selections in 1979 and 1980.[15] He did not appear in any regular season games for the Redskins,[2] but, after an injury to Bennie Cunningham, Mandich was signed in October 1978 as a backup tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers.[16][17] Mandich appeared in 10 regular season and three playoff games for the 1978 Steelers team that won Super Bowl XIII, making him the only man to play on the first two teams in NFL history to win 14 games in a season.[2][18] Mandich had no receptions during the 1978 season, and at the conclusion of the season, Mandich announced his retirement from football.[18]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1970 MIA 14 0 1 3 3.0 3 1
1971 MIA 11 1 3 19 6.3 10 1
1972 MIA 14 0 11 168 15.3 39 3
1973 MIA 14 3 24 302 12.6 28 4
1974 MIA 14 10 33 374 11.3 44 6
1975 MIA 14 6 21 217 10.3 32 4
1976 MIA 14 3 22 260 11.8 31 4
1977 MIA 14 0 6 63 10.5 15 0
1978 PIT 10 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
119 23 121 1,406 11.6 44 23

Playoffs

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Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1970 MIA 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
1971 MIA 3 0 2 13 6.5 9 0
1972 MIA 3 0 2 24 12.0 19 0
1973 MIA 3 3 5 49 9.8 13 1
1974 MIA 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
1978 PIT 3 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
14 3 9 86 9.6 19 1

Later years

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Mandich was the radio sports talk show host on WIOD 610 AM from 1983 to 1987, and joined WQAM 560 in 1987. He also did color commentary on Dolphins radio broadcasts on which he was teamed with Jimmy Cefalo and Joe Rose. He was known for his trademark soundbite "All right, Miami!" When he gave out the call-in number for cell phone users, he playfully told his radio listeners to call "if you're riding around with the windows down." Diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile duct, in early 2010, Mandich became absent from his afternoon show. In the fall of 2010, the terminally ill commentator returned to the broadcast booth for his final season of game-day color commentary.[citation needed]

Death

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Mandich died from cancer in April 2011 in Miami Lakes, Florida, at age 62. At a public memorial the following month at Sun Life Stadium, Mandich was remembered by speakers that included former Michigan teammate Tom Curtis and former Dolphins teammates, Nat Moore, Dick Anderson, Kim Bokamper, Joe Rose, Nick Buoniconti, Bob Griese, Jimmy Cefalo, and coach Don Shula. Shula announced at the service that Mandich would be added to the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll — a ring around the second tier at Sun Life Stadium that honors former players, coaches, contributors, and officials who have made significant contributions to the Miami Dolphins franchise.[19]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
James Michael Mandich (July 30, 1948 – April 26, 2011), known as "Mad Dog," was an tight end who played nine seasons in the (NFL), primarily with the , where he contributed to their perfect 17–0 season in 1972 and back-to-back victories in and . Born in , , and raised in , Mandich excelled in and before attending the , where he earned a in in 1970. At Michigan from 1967 to 1969, Mandich was a three-year starter at tight end, serving as team captain in 1969 under coach Bo Schembechler and leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten co-championship and a Rose Bowl appearance that year. A unanimous first-team All-American and two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, he was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 1969 and also earned first-team Academic All-America honors. Mandich set Michigan records as a tight end, including 662 receiving yards in a single season (1969); his career totals of 119 receptions for 1,494 yards rank first all-time at the position. For his collegiate achievements, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and Michigan's Hall of Honor in 1994. Selected by the Dolphins in the second round (29th overall) of the , Mandich played eight seasons with (1970–1977), establishing himself as a reliable blocker and pass-catcher with exceptional hands and football intelligence. Over his NFL career, which concluded with a stint on the in 1978, he appeared in 119 games, recording 121 receptions for 1,406 yards and 23 touchdowns. His most productive year came in 1974, when he caught 33 passes for 374 yards and six touchdowns. After retiring as a player, Mandich transitioned to , serving as the for Dolphins radio broadcasts for 20 seasons starting in 1990, where he became known for his enthusiastic "All right, !" call after big plays. He also hosted a radio call-in show and the team's Club luncheons, earning praise for his candid style and deep connection to the Dolphins organization. Mandich was diagnosed with bile-duct cancer in early 2010 and passed away in , at age 62; he was remembered for his loyalty to ("maize and blue") and his straightforward, humorous personality.

Early Life

Childhood and Family

James Michael Mandich was born on July 30, 1948, in , . He was raised in the nearby suburb of , where he spent his early years in a working-class environment. Mandich's father was a Serbian immigrant from who owned and operated Emil's Bar in , instilling values of hard work in his son by having him assist after . This family emphasis on and perseverance shaped Mandich's approach to life and athletics from a young age, reflecting the immigrant experience of building a new life in America through labor and involvement. In his childhood in , Mandich developed an early passion for sports, frequently riding his bike around the neighborhood while engaging in and football. Local residents recalled him often carrying a football or , highlighting his constant immersion in physical activities that fostered a competitive spirit and laid the groundwork for his future athletic pursuits.

High School Athletics

Jim Mandich attended in , from 1964 to 1967, where he distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete across football, , , and . His family encouraged his deep involvement in athletics, fostering his competitive drive from an early age. In football, Mandich excelled as a and , earning recognition in 1965 for his standout performance. He played a pivotal role in key team victories, including a dramatic halftime comeback against West Geauga, where Solon trailed 16-0 before rallying to win, with Mandich helping to inspire the turnaround. His versatility and leadership on the gridiron highlighted his potential as a top prospect. Mandich also shone in other sports, setting Solon High School records in the shot put and discus events in that endured for more than 40 years until they were broken in 2010. In , he was a star player, contributing significantly to the team's efforts, while in , he participated as a team member during his high school years. These accomplishments across disciplines underscored his athletic versatility and drew recruitment interest from major college programs, particularly the , which he selected over Ohio State due to its stronger academic offerings.

College Career

University of Michigan

Mandich enrolled at the in the fall of 1966 following an high school career at in . As a that year, he saw limited playing time, primarily on the freshman squad, in line with the era's restrictions on first-year varsity participation. In his sophomore season of 1967, Mandich earned a spot on the , starting six games at left end for the Wolverines, who compiled a 4-6 record under head coach . He recorded 26 receptions for 256 yards that year, contributing as both a blocker and receiver in Michigan's offensive scheme. Mandich solidified his role as the starting during his junior and senior years. In 1968, still under Elliott, he started all 10 games, hauling in 43 passes for 576 yards and three touchdowns while providing crucial blocking support for the run-heavy offense that helped the team achieve an 8-2 record. The following year, 1969—Bo Schembechler's inaugural season as head coach—saw Mandich serve as team captain and earn honors; he caught a team-high 50 passes for 662 yards and four touchdowns, keying the Wolverines' 8-2 campaign that clinched a co-Big Ten championship after a landmark 24-12 upset victory over undefeated Ohio State. Over his three-year varsity career from 1967 to 1969, Mandich amassed 119 receptions for 1,494 yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable who excelled in both pass-catching and run-blocking duties. His contributions peaked in the 1970 Rose Bowl, where Michigan defeated USC 10-3 to secure the program's first bowl victory since the 1948 Rose Bowl; Mandich recorded eight catches for 79 yards in the game, helping control the against the defending national champions.

College Achievements

During his junior and senior seasons at the , Jim Mandich earned unanimous first-team honors as a in 1969, receiving first-team recognition from multiple selectors including the , , and the . That same year, he was named the Wolverines' team and served as , contributing to a 8-2 record that included a Big Ten championship and a berth in the 1970 Rose Bowl, positioning Michigan in contention. Mandich set enduring standards for tight ends at , establishing all-time records with 119 career receptions and 1,494 receiving yards over his three-year starting tenure from 1967 to 1969, marks that ranked first among Wolverines tight ends as of his later honors. These accomplishments underscored his reliability as a pass-catching threat and blocker, helping to elevate Michigan's offensive output during a transitional era under coach . In recognition of his collegiate impact, Mandich was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor in 1994 and the in 2004, where he was celebrated for embodying the program's tradition of toughness and leadership at the position.

Professional Football Career

Miami Dolphins

Jim Mandich was selected by the in the second round, 29th overall, of the , marking the first draft pick of the era for the franchise. As a in 1970, Mandich appeared in 14 games but had a limited offensive role, recording just one reception for three yards and one touchdown against the . Under Shula's disciplined coaching, which emphasized fundamentals and team cohesion, Mandich developed into a reliable contributor, transitioning from a peripheral player to a starter by his third season while honing his skills in both receiving and blocking. Mandich played a key role in the Dolphins' historic 1972 perfect season, starting all 14 regular-season games and helping the team go 14-0 before an undefeated playoff run culminating in a 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in . In that game, he made a crucial 19-yard diving catch on third down from the 31-yard line, setting up Jim Kiick's touchdown run that gave the Dolphins a 7-0 lead they never relinquished. The following year, in 1973, Mandich remained a vital part of the offense during another championship campaign, catching 24 passes for 302 yards and four s en route to a 24-7 win over the in , where he added two receptions for 21 yards. Throughout his eight seasons with from 1970 to 1977, Mandich amassed 121 receptions for 1,406 yards and 23 touchdowns in 109 games, often serving as a complementary piece in Shula's run-heavy offense that featured Hall of Famers and . His blocking prowess was essential to the Dolphins' ground attack, which led the in rushing yards in 1972 (2,960 total) and 1973 (2,757), as he frequently sealed edges and created lanes for Csonka's power runs and Morris's speed, exemplified in plays where he faked blocks before releasing on routes. After the 1977 season, Mandich was traded to the Washington Redskins but ultimately joined the for his final year in 1978.

Pittsburgh Steelers

In May 1978, the traded Mandich to the Washington Redskins in exchange for two eighth-round draft picks in 1979 and 1980. Later that year, in October, Mandich signed with the as a backup to provide depth following an injury to . Mandich served as the primary reserve behind starter Randy Grossman during the 1978 regular season, appearing in 10 games without recording a reception on one target. Despite limited offensive involvement, he contributed to the team's depth on special teams and as a blocker during their 14-2 campaign, which secured the AFC's top seed. In the playoffs, Mandich played in all three postseason contests, including the AFC Championship Game victory over the Houston Oilers and Super Bowl XIII, where the Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 35-31 on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami. He again had no receptions but earned his third Super Bowl ring as part of the championship roster, joining those from Super Bowls VII and VIII won earlier with the Dolphins. At age 30, Mandich retired from professional football immediately following the victory, concluding an eight-year career that spanned two franchises.

Career Statistics

Jim Mandich played in 119 regular-season games and 14 postseason games during his nine-year career as a , primarily contributing through receiving. His regular-season receiving statistics are summarized below:
YearTeamGamesReceptionsYardsTouchdowns
1970MIA14131
1971MIA113191
1972MIA14111683
1973MIA14243024
1974MIA14333746
1975MIA14212174
1976MIA14222604
1977MIA146630
1978PIT10000
Career1191211,40623
Mandich's postseason receiving statistics are as follows:
YearTeamGamesReceptionsYardsTouchdowns
1970MIA2000
1971MIA2140
1972MIA32240
1973MIA35491
1974MIA1190
1978PIT3000
Career149861
Across 133 total games (regular season and ), Mandich recorded 130 receptions for 1,492 yards and 24 receiving touchdowns, with no rushing attempts. His playoff contributions included participation in the Dolphins' successful 1972 and 1973 Super Bowl-winning campaigns, as well as the 1978 Steelers' victory.

Broadcasting Career

Early Radio Roles

After retiring from the following the 1978 season with the , Jim Mandich transitioned into broadcasting four years later, drawing on his credibility as a two-time champion with the to establish himself in Miami's sports media landscape. Mandich launched his radio career in 1983 as host of a sports on WIOD 610 AM, where he aired weekdays and cultivated a dedicated local audience through passionate discussions centered on Dolphins football and topics. His tenure on WIOD lasted until 1987, during which time radio personality coined his enduring nickname "Mad Dog" for his intense, fiery on-air demeanor. Mandich's energetic style, often punctuated by his signature call "All right, !", resonated with fans, helping him build rapport as a knowledgeable insider. In 1987, Mandich shifted to 560 AM, where he continued hosting a sports talk program that emphasized call-in segments from listeners and analysis of Dolphins games, further solidifying his role as a community voice for sports enthusiasts. He also incorporated luncheons tied to his show, fostering direct engagement with fans and building on the interactive format that defined his early broadcasting work. Throughout this period, Mandich balanced his rising media profile with entrepreneurial pursuits, serving as president of a Miami-based firm while occasionally handling aspects of his show's production.

Dolphins Commentary

Mandich joined the ' radio broadcast team as color analyst in 1992, initially partnering with play-by-play announcer Rick Weaver on WIOD-AM. Over the next two decades, he worked alongside various broadcasters, including Bill Zimpfer and later , providing insightful analysis drawn from his playing experience with the team. His tenure spanned 19 seasons through the 2010 campaign, during which he called more than 300 games, becoming a fixture for Dolphins fans tuning in on stations like . Known for his energetic and passionate delivery, Mandich's commentary often featured memorable catchphrases that captured the excitement of Dolphins football, such as "Awwwright, !!!" and "Never better." He unabashedly cheered the team's successes while offering candid critiques during struggles, fostering a deep connection with listeners through his unfiltered enthusiasm and relatable humor. This style not only elevated the broadcasts but also amplified his role in Dolphins media, integrating seamlessly with his talk show where he frequently discussed team matters and engaged fans directly. Despite a cancer diagnosis in March 2010, Mandich returned to the booth for the entire 2010 season, delivering his final calls with characteristic determination even as treatments took a physical toll. His unwavering commitment during this period underscored his profound dedication to the Dolphins and their supporters, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the franchise's most beloved voices.

Later Life and Legacy

Personal Life and Business

Jim Mandich met his future wife, , at a game in the in 1975. The couple married in August 1981 and settled in , where they raised their three sons: Michael, Mark, and Nicholas. , originally from , was an accomplished equestrian who competed in hunter and jumper events throughout her life. After retiring from professional football, Mandich pursued entrepreneurial ventures in and . He began as a , advanced to partner, and served as president of Lotspeich Company, Inc., a Hialeah-based firm, for 25 years. His sons continued the family legacy by co-founding The Mandich Group in 2016, a specializing in industrial properties and , including Cold-Link Logistics; as of 2025, the firm has expanded significantly in the sector. Following Bonnie's death in July 2016, the brothers expanded the business in honor of their parents. Mandich and his family were active in Miami's philanthropic community, supporting initiatives for and through events like the annual Mandich Golf Classic, which benefited the Miami Dolphins Foundation. The family also contributed to local charities focused on underprivileged youth, reflecting Mandich's commitment to community involvement alongside his broadcasting career.

Illness, Death, and Honors

In March 2010, Jim Mandich was diagnosed with , a rare form of cancer. Despite the severity of his condition, Mandich publicly shared his battle, continuing to broadcast games through the 2010 season, including the final two contests while relying on a to sustain his energy. He stepped away from his daily sports show earlier that year but remained a fixture on the airwaves until demands forced his absence in early 2011. Mandich passed away on April 26, 2011, at his home in , at the age of 62. A public celebration of his life was held on May 4, 2011, at Sun Life Stadium, drawing approximately 2,000 attendees, including former teammates like and , as well as devoted fans who honored his enduring passion for the Dolphins. His family provided steadfast support throughout his illness, surrounding him during his final days. Following his death, Mandich received several posthumous honors recognizing his contributions to football and . At the May 2011 stadium event, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced Mandich's induction into the team's Honor Roll as a special contributor, with the formal ceremony occurring on December 4, 2011, during a home game halftime. The University of Michigan's Letterwinners M Club awarded him the 2011 Bob Ufer Award for his exceptional enthusiasm and commitment to Wolverines athletics. Mandich's fight against cancer also inspired the launch of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge in 2010, an annual fundraising cycling event benefiting the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the , which has raised nearly $90 million as of 2025 and continues to operate. Mandich's legacy as the fiery "Mad Dog" endures in Miami sports culture, where his bombastic radio calls and unyielding team loyalty continue to resonate with fans and broadcasters alike.

References

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