Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich was a part of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins team. Now, his son Nick has been invited to try out for the same franchise.
Nick Mandich, a tight end, the same position as his father, played at Southern Connecticut State University, where he collected 37 catches for 303 yards over three seasons and impressed the team during Miami's workout day before the draft.
"It means everything in the world to me," Nick Mandich said. "I feel very fortunate that the Dolphins are giving me such a great opportunity to prove myself. It means the world to my family. I'm very thankful. ... I don't want to take any handouts. I want to earn everything by hard work and determination."
Jim Mandich played for the Dolphins from 1970 to 1977 and later became the team's broadcaster and color commentator for more than 27 years. "Mad Dog" had 121 career catches for 23 touchdowns and 1,406 yards while winning two Super Bowls.
"He basically gave his life and soul to the Dolphins," Nick Mandich told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Monday. "That was something he wore with pride."
At the Dolphins' pro day workouts at the University of Miami, Nick Mandich was given his father's number to wear, 88.
"I've got my father's number," Nick said. "At first I felt a little nervous to put it on, but as the workout went on I was very comfortable. I was told I did a very good job. At the end I was proud of myself, and even more proud I had that number on."
