Sports

Checking in on Todd Marinovich

Esquire revisits the sad story of the USC football phenom, by way of Orange County, who was supposed to be the next big thing. Excerpt:

'I was the first freshman in Orange County to ever start a varsity game at quarterback," Todd continues. "I broke a lot of records. Then I chose to go to USC. We beat UCLA. We won a Rose Bowl. It's quite an experience playing in front of a hundred thousand people. It's a real rush. Everyone is holding their breath, wondering, What's he gonna do next? After my third year of college, I turned pro. Here's a name you'll recognize: I was drafted ahead of Brett Favre in the 1991 draft. I played for three years for the Raiders. I made some amazing friends — we're still in touch."

Todd surveys the young faces before him. In about a minute, he has summarized the entire first half of his life. He looks down at the football. "Any questions?"

[skip]

"What ended your career?" the boy asks.

"What ended my career..." Todd repeats. His smile fades as he searches for the right words.

How Esquire sets up the piece: "Today he's a recovering junkie. This month he was arrested again. Scenes from the chaotic life of a boy never designed to be a man."


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