Member Biography

A tenacious blocker and talented pass-catcher, James Mandich rewrote the Michigan record books with his offensive prowess as a tight end. A unanimous First Team All-America and team captain in 1969, Mandich was named the team's Most Valuable Player while leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten Conference Co-Championship and Rose Bowl appearance. A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, he twice led Michigan in receptions and yardage. Named to Michigan�s Hall of Honor in 1994, Mandich�s 119 career receptions and 1,494 career yards continue to rank first all-time among UM tight ends. An accomplished scholar, Mandich was named First Team Academic All-America and All-Conference in 1969. After completing his BA in Economics in 1970, Mandich was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft and was a member of three Super Bowl teams, including the undefeated 1972 Dolphins. Following his NFL career, he became a successful construction executive as well as radio talk show host for the Miami Dolphins, where he went by the nickname, �Mad Dog Mandich.�