NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

One NFL player you wish never played for your favorite team

By Randy Gurzi

22 Aug 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers standing around talking before the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers defeated the Colts 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squ
22 Aug 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers standing around talking before the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers defeated the Colts 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squ /
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2022 NFL
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tony Mandarich #77 of the Green Bay Packers blocks against Doug Reed #93 of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Anaheim Stadium on September 24, 1989 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 41-38. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

Green Bay Packers: Tony Mandarich, OT

Taken second overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, Tony Mandarich has gone down as arguably the biggest draft bust in Green Bay Packers history.

Regarded as a “can’t miss” prospect, Mandarich came in with quite the attitude. He believed the hype that followed him into the league from Michigan State and even had quite the quote about himself.

"“I am not like other players, I am Tony Mandarich, and they have to understand that,” he once said via Tzvi Machlin from The Spun by Sports Illustrated. “If they don’t like it, that is just the way I am and they are going to learn to like it.”"

Mandarich completely bought into his own hype, but that was just one of the issues he had. He was also accused of steroid use and admitted to not having the greatest work ethic after his career was done.

He was cut by the Packers after just three seasons and then was absent from the NFL for four seasons. He was reportedly admitted to rehab during that time and once he was sober, he restarted his career in 1996 at age 30 with the Indianapolis Colts

Mandarich spent three seasons in Indy and started 31 of 41 games but then had to retire due to a shoulder injury. While he did much better in Indy, the Packers would have preferred not to use such a high pick on his services.

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