We honestly weren’t going to write another quarterback story today, but this one just jumped out at us.
And yes, we know defense wins championships. And O-line protection is what makes all those X’s and O’s go places. And typically, you don’t write lengthy, intricate retrospectives on QBs unless they win championships.
You know, like Peyton. Or that sensitive guy from New England.
Anyway, the quarterback featured in the May edition of Esquire didn’t win any championships.
In fact, he played in just eight NFL games, going 3-5 as a starter. He also failed to ignite in the CFL or the Arena League.
He has also struggled for years with drugs, alcohol and the weight of being regarded as one of the biggest busts in NFL history despite his “Robo-QB” upbringing.
His name? Todd Marinovich. His last arrest? Two weeks ago after he failed to report for a progress review associated with a 2007 drug arrest.
But his story – as told by Mike Sager – is gripping.
What other tale could weave phone calls from President Reagan, Los Angeles porn stars, heroin addiction and a childhood spent teething on frozen kidneys?
Seriously, this is one of the best features of any professional athlete we’ve ever read.
Enjoy every page of it, people …
By The Man April 17, 2009 at 11:20 am
Great article. This was supposed to be a can’t miss guy. I remember him well.