Brandon's Blog: Smacking Adversity in the Mouth
2/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Brandon
Feb. 25, 2011
University of Michigan director of athletics Dave Brandon will regularly offer his view on different topics related to U-M and intercollegiate sports. All of his posts, along with links to related content, will be available on his page, mgoblue.com/brandon, and he is also on Twitter at @DaveBrandonAD.
When you play a major role in building the tradition of Michigan football, your legacy is usually what happens on the football field. It is the punt return for a touchdown against Ohio State, the interception in the end zone to save a game, a touchdown pass or a great run.
That is what the sports fan remembers. What happens after your athletic life is over is sometimes nothing more than an asterisk in the eyes of the public.
And that's why family is so important. Your family understands what you accomplish every day. They see the battles you face and how you overcome them or, in some instances, battle through them.
This past weekend, I received an e-mail about one of our U-M football letterwinners and that started me thinking about another Michigan man who is fighting the same battle.
Jim Mandich (1967-69) and Vada Murray (1988-90) are fighting cancer. It is a battle they know is tough ... and some don't win. Mandich, of course, was recruited by Bump Elliott and played on Bo Schembechler's 1969 football team. The picture of captain Jim Mandich being carried off the field after the historic upset of Ohio State in '69 is what our fans will remember about his Michigan playing days. This All-America tight end went on to a great professional career with the Miami Dolphins (Super Bowl rings!) and became a radio personality in Miami, hosting a talk show and handling color commentary for the Dolphin radio team.
Now, Jim has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer and he is in the toughest battle of his life. This cancer forced him to give up his radio talk show, but it didn't keep him away from the sport he loves so much. He continued to handle the color commentary for Dolphin football, and he says he will do it again in 2011.
And, as it relates to Michigan, he is still part of our team and we support him and continue to pray for him through this illness. In my opinion, if you look up the definition of a "Michigan Man" in the dictionary there should simply be a picture of Jim Mandich.
Vada Murray proved his abilities and courage on the football field many times. Against UCLA in 1989, he blocked an extra point on the Bruins' last TD, recovered the onside kick that led to the winning field goal, and intercepted a pass on the final play of the game as U-M won the game on hot September day in Pasadena.
And if you were at or watching the U-M/Ohio State game in 1989, you will never forget the concern and silence of 100,000-plus in Michigan Stadium. Vada was knocked unconscious, colliding with another Wolverine defender. He was placed on stretcher and taken to U-M Hospital. He bounced back from that injury to play in the 1990 Rose Bowl.
Off the field, he too kept the competitive fires burning. He joined the Ann Arbor Police Department and worked for 17 years making our community better before being diagnosed with lung cancer. This physically fit and mentally tough Michigan Man now has his own battle with cancer.
Like Mandich, Murray isn't shying away from the battle, and former teammates continue to support him with their prayers, friendship and respect.
This iconic photo shows Jim Mandich (88) amid the celebration after U-M upset No. 1 Ohio State, 24-12, in Bo Schembechler's first season with the Wolverines.
Jim and Vada continue the fight. Their fight has been long and hard.
Of course, these two former U-M football players aren't the only individuals who are going toe to toe with cancer. There are thousands of people who must find the courage to face this dreaded disease. And hopefully, these two men's stories can help others in their battle with cancer.
These two men are tough. They were tough on the field, and now they are tough as they face their current opponent. And what they learned as special student-athletes at Michigan is helping them confront cancer today.
Jim and Vada were both influenced by disciplined, tough coaches and players. And they have an advantage over others because they have brought the things they learned as athletes into their battle against cancer. And nobody could teach one more about battling the odds than our former head football coach Bo Schembechler.
"He taught us mental toughness," Vada was quoted as saying in a blog a few years back. "He taught us that no matter what your adversity, roll your sleeves up and smack it in the mouth."
They also know how much "the team" means in this fight. For them, "the team" is their family. This isn't a fight anyone can take on alone. These are strenuous battles, and as in football, you need teammates who will help you through the mental and physical challenges one faces when dealing with cancer.
Fortunately, their team extends beyond their immediate families and friends. Former Michigan players, alumni and fans send cards, letters and prayers of support.
Right now, those two Michigan Men and many others you might know need this kind of support and more. "The Team. The Team. The Team" is as important in real life as it is on the football field.
If you know of someone battling a disease or some other serious health problem, join their "team." Tell them to "smack adversity in the mouth" at every opportunity!!
Jim Mandich and Vada Murray are "smacking adversity in the mouth" on a daily basis. I am proud of them; their courage and toughness is an inspiration to all of us.
Go Blue!
