referred to as "the best offensive line prospect ever", mandarich was highly touted during his collegiate career at michigan state, leading to his high selection in the 1989 draft by the packers. mandarich was unable to live up to expectations, however, and was released following four seasons with the team. after five years away from football, he returned with the colts, with whom he spent his last three seasons. he was the only top-five pick in his draft class not to be inducted into the pro football hall of fame, as the packers passed on deion sanders, barry sanders, and derrick thomas to select mandarich.