Jim Mandich Added To 'Fins Ring Of Honor
MIAMI (CBS4) - The Miami Dolphins, former players, and fans paid tribute to former Dolphin player and broadcaster Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich Wednesday night at Sun Life Stadium.
The public tribute is more of a celebration of Mandich's life than a memorial service. His family held a private memorial for family and friends last weekend.
Mandich lost his battle with cancer last Tuesday. In addition to playing for the team during the legendary "Perfect Season", Mandich also held court in the radio broadcast booth, broadcasting the games on local radio each weekend.
"We will miss him dearly," the family said in a statement released by the Dolphins. "We thank the fans and the media for their ongoing support and their respect for our family's privacy during this time."
Wednesday night's activities included former players including: Nick Buoniconti, Bob Griese, Larry Little, and Dwight Stephenson among other members of the Dolphins perfect season team. Former head coach Don Shula was also be part of the ceremony.
During the ceremony, it was announced that Mandich would be added to the team's Ring of Honor. He is the 22nd member.
"Jim represented the Dolphins in so many great ways," said Vice President/Special Advisor Nat Moore. "He first made his mark here as a tight end on the great Dolphin teams in the 1970s, where he was an inspirational leader of a group of players that achieved unparalleled success on the field. After that, he had a tremendous impact in the South Florida community as an advocate for ex-players and also raised much needed funds for cancer research through the Dolphins Cycling Challenge. And finally he brought his unique 'Mad Dog' approach to the radio booth, where his personal style and obvious love for the Dolphins made the team's broadcasts memorable and brought together Finatics around the country. The induction of Jim into the Dolphins Honor Roll as a "Special Contributor" rightfully encapsulates his unequalled and wide ranging contributions to the Dolphins organization."
Instead of flowers, the family is also inviting donations to the Dolphins Cycling Challenge that benefits the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer. Donations can be made online at www.ridedcc.com or checks can be made out to:
The Mandich Fund
c/o The Miami Dolphins Foundation
Sun Life Stadium
347 Don Shula Drive
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
