Solon Native and Football Star Jim Mandich Dies at 62

Multiple media have reported that pro and college football star Jim Mandich, who began his career at Solon High School, has died at age 62.

Mandich died Tuesday after a long fight with bile-duct cancer. 

Mandich was a multi-sport star at Solon. He was named a High School All-American in 1965 in football and held the school shot put and discus records until 2010, when they were broken by standout A.J. Hicks.

Since leaving Solon, Mandich went on to be named an All-American at the University of Michigan in the late 1960s, leading the Wolverines to a Rose Bowl victory his senior year.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Mandich holds the Michigan record for receiving yards by a tight end in a season with 662 catches. He is second all-time in career receptions and receiving yards among Michigan tight ends. 

Mandich was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Mandich was drafted by the Dolphins in 1970 and was a reserve tight end on the Dolphins' perfect season in 1972. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Mandich scored 23 touchdowns during his Dolphins career, including a team-leading six TD grabs in 1974.

After ending his football career in 1978, Mandich became a popular radio host in Miami and also broadcast Dolphins games.

"I was sad to hear about Jim's passing," former Dolphins Coach Don Shula told the Sun Sentinel in statement. "I know he fought a courageous battle, but that was typical of his fighting spirit. When I think about Jim, I always looked at him as a guy who was bright, well-prepared and competitive. He was someone who I could count on as a player and was instrumental in the success we had during his time with the Dolphins."