Published on Aug 16, 2022, 3:42:00 PM
Total time: 01:52:13
Tony Mandarich was drafted second in the 1989 NFL Draft. Around that same time, he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and almost fought Mike Tyson. As time moved on, his name became synonymous with steroids and his NFL career was over before it really ever got going. But while people focused on steroid use as the reason for his downfall, he was actually mainlining pain killers in the midst of a harrowing addiction. Then he bottomed out, got sober, and made an NFL comeback that included a starting role for more than three seasons. Today, he's nearly 27 years sober and a total inspiration. Tony is also funny and terribly interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9O9NTvXUk0
https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2019/04/schaap-tells-the-tale-of-tony-mandarich-on-eve-of-nfl-draft/
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The Payoff is a look at the great life that awaits in sobriety on other side of addiction - but not without taking you through the madness first. Hosted by Pete Sousa.