Jim Mandich, American football player and announcer (Miami Dolphins), died from bile duct cancer he was , 62.

James Michael ("Mad Dog") Mandich,  was a professional American football tight end with the Miami Dolphins died from bile duct cancer he was , 62.. Mandich was an All-American at the University of Michigan. In 2004 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. As color commentator for the Miami Dolphins (1992–2004 and 2007–2010), he was teamed with Jimmy Cefalo and Joe Rose. He was known for his trademark soundbite - "All right, Miami!"

(July 30, 1948 – April 26, 2011)

Mandich was the radio sports talk show host on 560 WQAM. He also did color commentary on Dolphins radio broadcasts. When Mandich 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 terminially ill Mandich returned to the broadcast booth for his final season of game-day color-commentary.^{[citation needed]}

Early life

Mandich graduated from Solon High School in Solon, Ohio. While at Solon High, Mandich set the records for the shot put and discus throw.

NFL career

Mandich was drafted by the Dolphins in 1970 as the 29th overall pick. He played in fourteen games in 1970 and had catches in three of them; he caught a three-yard touchdown against the Houston Oilers on September 27. During the Dolphins unbeaten 1972 season Mandich had a touchdown reception against the Minnesota Vikings and two (in two games) against the New England Patriots. In the playoffs he had two catches, a five-yarder against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 19-yarder in Super Bowl VII. His most productive year was 1974, as he had 33 receptions for 374 yards and six touchdowns. He did not play in Miami's losing playoff game with the Oakland Raiders. Mandich's final touchdowns came in 1976 against the Patriots, the Jets twice, and the Colts. In 1978 he went to the Steelers but had no receptions in ten games. ^[1]

Radio career

• 1983 - Joined 610 WIOD
• 1997 - Joined 560 WQAM

Death

He died in Miami Lakes, Florida from cancer, aged 62. A public memorial was held for Mandich on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. Speakers included his personal friend Don Richey; Former Michigan athletic director Bill Martin; Wolverine teammate Tom Curtis; and former Dolphins Nat Moore, Dick Anderson, Kim Bokamper, Joe Rose, Nick Buoniconti, Bob Griese, Jimmy Cefalo, and Coach Don Shula.

 

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