Go beyond the headlines
Todd Marinovich had the size and accuracy to be a star in the National Football League, but his addictions and off field antics led to his premature departure from the NFL. You might remember the headlines that surrounded Marinovich’s problems, but now the former quarterback honestly details his stunning downfall. He dreamed of playing for USC and becoming a Raider, but his budding career was intercepted by drugs, alcohol, and arrests.
Despite an early warning sign of being arrested prior the NFL draft, Raiders owner Al Davis loved Marinovich’s arm and his vertical game and selected him in the first round. While most football players buckle down and worked hard towards their goals, Marinovich admits to shenanigans involving booze, drugs, strippers and adult film stars. He admits to partying with celebrities, but the lifestyle simply didn’t mix with pro football.
Marinovich discusses his complex relationship with his former football playing father, as he states, the man who shaped him. The author admits to becoming an alcoholic as at age fifteen, confessing to additions to marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy. I appreciated Marinvoch honesty when revealing how many times he was arrested, and being truthful on the numerous stints he had with rehab. It was reassuring to hear the outpouring from his USC Trojan family that continued to support him during his dark days.
Years later, Marinovich would resurface with the Canadian Football League, which didn’t drug test. He also played in the Arena Football League, however, its hard to image what could have been with his promising NFL career. He became as a starter in his rookie season, and played in the play offs. Marinovich admits what it was truly like hitting rock bottom, and starting all over. “Marinovich” is truly an eye opening book.
By: Todd Marinovich
Narrated by: Braden Wright
Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 08-05-25
Publisher: Brilliance Audio