This is how most remember Brett Conway - dejected on the sidelines.

Whenever there are lists circulated about the worst draft picks of all time, Tony Mandarich, the first round pick of the Green Bay Packers – picked just ahead of Barry Sanders – is among the top five of all time across the league and probably number one for the Packers.

One can’t argue with that. However, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame reminds us in their “Today in Packers History” that there was another pick that turned just as sour. In my opinion, the pick of  kicker Brett Conway in 1997 has got to rate right up there.

To make room for Conway, the Packers let longtime kicker Chris Jacke leave. He was the player who was just a field goal or so from becoming the team’s leading scorer. That didn’t matter. The team wanted Conway and his “fresh” leg. They picked him in the third round – teams never pick kickers that high.

As it turned out, Conway was a huge bust.

In fact, do you really remember him? Unfortunately, I do. He missed in preseason games and was a huge miss for the Packers.

Enjoy the post … or weep while you read.

Packers Sign Brett Conway

July 8, 1997 – The Packers sign rookie kicker Brett Conway on the same day the Pittsburgh Steelers sign Chris Jacke, the player Conway will succeed in Green Bay. Conway, Green Bay’s third-round draft choice, signs a three-year pact worth a reported $875,000. Jacke also signs a three-year deal and could, according to his agent, Steve Weinberg, make $3 million if he reaches every incentive during the length of the contract. Unfortunately for Conway, he suffers a quadriceps injury during training camp, is replaced by Ryan Longwell and never kicks in a regular-season game for the Packers.

Tony Mandarich has gone from first round draft choice by the Green Bay Packers to successful businessman.

We all know Mandarich as a failure, a bust who was selected one pick ahead of Barry Sanders in the 1989 NFL Draft. Mandarich survived three unimpressive seasons with the Packers before dropping out of football for several years and then making a solid comeback to play three years with the Indianapolis Colts. A shoulder injury permanently ended his career.

But Imig takes us beyond the hype, the bust and the man many believed was an uncontrollable, maniacal player who once called Green Bay a “village.”

Though not well liked among Green Bay fans, those who feel that way should take a look at Imig’s column. He talks to Mandarich, to one of his employees and even to former Packers Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler to paint a much deeper and understanding picture.

Mandarich is a dedicated business owner, a husband and a former NFL player who has worked hard in establishing his business and even harder in keeping it going.

This is an interesting and thorough look at a former player who is grateful for the opportunity, but has taken his failure one step further by succeeding in life.

Take a look at this post. I’m certain you will come away with a much better feeling about Tony Mandarich. Something that I’m sure you’ll feel good about and something that Tony Mandarich would appreciate.

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