Jim Mandich played football for Michigan from 1967 to 1969. He was a first-team All-American tight end and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player after the Wolverines 1969 co-Big Ten Championship. As a team captain in 1969, Mandich was such a leader that after Michigan upset Ohio State, he was seen being carried off the field by his teammates, with tears of joy streaming down his cheeks.
After playing only three seasons with the Wolverines, Mandich to this day ranks 14th in career receptions at Michigan with 118 and 18th in receiving yards with 1,489. Only 6 players in Michigan history have caught more passes in a single game then his 10 catches vs. Purdue in 1969.
Mandich was drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins in 1970 and played for them until 1977. He finished with 23 touchdowns in his pro career and earned the nickname, “Mad Dog Mandich,” for his effort on the practice field. His favorite sports memories are the Michigan vs. Ohio State game in 1969 and the Dolphins perfect season in 1972.
Before Michigan played Florida in the 2008 Capital One Bowl, Mandich spoke to the team. He said, "I've played in a perfect season and in Super Bowls. But I'm proudest of playing for the maize and blue. They're saying that you'll be out of focus for the game because of all the chaos and change. Concentrate on what you can control. That's all that matters."
Jim Mandich was named to Michigan’s Hall of Honor in 1994 and later was the 25th U of M player to be named to The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in 2004. On being named to the Hall of Fame, Mandich said, "This honor is overwhelming to me. When I heard the news I was completely blown away. At some point you think the train has left the station, and one of the things that makes it so deeply humbling are the people that are not on the list. To be included is very special to me."
Mandich is recognized as the greatest tight end in Wolverine and Dolphin history. He now sponsors The Mad Dog Fishing Classic every year in Florida and is the color commentator for the Miami Dolphins.
After the passing of Wolverine Immortal Bo Schembechler, Mandich said, "Today we lost the greatest Wolverine of all. He was a giant of a man and touched so many people, especially his players. Everyone knows about his toughness and discipline, but he was fun to play for, he was a hoot. He was the most fun person to be around, he was always very conversational, talked with great passion and had a twinkle in his eye. He made playing football fun. He was a hard-headed SOB."
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