Sunday, October 05, 2008

We're gonna party like it's 1989...



So I'm taking a break from the political crap for a post (or two). I want to talk about a comeback of sorts. I recently discovered that the guy in the pictures above is about to release a book about his life dealing with addiction and how it affected his NFL career. I was (and still am) a HUGE fan of Tony Mandarich.
You see in 1989 I was a young man of 24 who was just starting a career in the USAF. I was a cocky hard worker who partied even harder than I worked. When this guy came on the scene, I tried to emulate him by working out, acting out and generally showing my ass like I was someone I wasn't. Needless to say that my bosses weren't real happy with my attitude, but they didn't bust my chops because I was a hard charging worker who never said no to a challenge. Heck, I envied this guy so much I even had his rookie card taped to the outside of my locker at work.
What I didn't know then, but recently discovered, is that I had more in common with Tony Mandarich than I really cared to. Most of you reading this know that I'm a recovering alcoholic and that throughout the 80's and the 90's I was out of control. Apparently this is true for Tony Mandarich also. He will be releasing a book called, "My dirty little secrets-Steroids, Alcohol and God", set to release in March of 09. The release is set to coincide with the 20th anniversary of his draft into the NFL.
You can visit Tony's website by clicking here. I'm excited about the book, because I was/am a huge Mandarich fan. Yes, he was a bust in the pro's, but I don't care. He impacted me and inspired me to be an aggressive Airman and I built my Air Force reputation on his foundation.
Plus, he appears to be clean and sober for many years now and I always love to see one of "us" doing good in life.
So that's that. This has been a pleasant break from the political crap of late. Oh, and Tony, if you read this, how about leaving me a comment.
-- Peace

9 comments:

Mandarich Studio Buzz said...

Paul: Thanks for your post on here and your incredible support. I appreciate it and I hope someone reads your post and decides to get help if they have a problem. All the best!

Your Friend

Tony Mandarich ;~)

That dude Paul said...

Oh my God!!! I am giddy like a little kid and my wife is laughing at me.

THANK YOU Tony for taking the time to stop by. I was very nervous when I emailed you and asked you to.

What an awesome end to my weekend.
Thanks again...

Anonymous said...

Paul,
What a great way to end the weekend. I'm glad you got a response from your hero. Just know that I am proud of you and love you very much.

Dad

Anonymous said...

Son,
Mom here. I just want to add that I thank God for your sobriety and more importantly you. God bless you and I love you very much.

Mom

Jim said...

Paul that's great that Tony read the post and responded. What a great story.

MomThatsNuts said...

Wow look at you hob-knobbing with the famous folks..lol I am still stressed out, I am NOT looking forward to moving, but it is what it is and I am trying to be positive about it. Thanks for checking on me, I value and appriciate your friendship!! (honest I do!!) So I skipped the gym this morning BUT I am taking the boys ice skating this afternoon so that will count..

Mom

Anonymous said...

PS - Thanks for your 20 years' service in the USAF!!!

Some people think.

Others DO.

The trouble comes when sill others think they do.

VoteNovember2008 said...

Hey Paul, what's up? Post a new blog will ya? VN8 :)

Susannah said...

hey Paul this is Tony again. susannah has been kind enough to let me use her account to leave a comment because i forgot my password. Listen, I just wanted to tell you that your political views are just so wrong and well you really ought to apologize to susannah for talking down to her. But thanks again for your incredible support and I'm still your friend.

Tony