Former Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Todd Marinovich has released a new memoir detailing his battles with addiction and his eventual artistic redemption. Marinovich, once dubbed the 'Robo Quarterback' for his rigorous training regimen, struggled with substance abuse throughout his career and beyond, using drugs to quiet what he calls his 'inner loathing'.
In his book, co-written with author Lizzy Wright, Marinovich reveals that his drug use was a well-kept secret among teammates, though some like Marcus Allen tried to help. Allen would wake Marinovich for practice after nights of binge drinking and drug use. Marinovich's career was cut short in 1992 after a third failed drugs test led to his departure from the Raiders.
Marinovich's path later spiralled into years of addiction to ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and meth, resulting in legal troubles. However, his long-standing passion for art has provided a creative outlet. A painting by Marinovich features in the memoir, which Wright describes as more than just a sports biography.
Wright, whose husband Steve protected Marinovich on the Raiders, helped Marinovich tell his story. She highlights the immense pressure he faced as a child star, being the first sophomore to declare for the NFL draft and requiring his own combine due to his youth. 'This is the Doogie Howser of football,' she said.
Even later in life, Marinovich struggled with sobriety. He briefly returned to football in 2017 at age 48, coaching and playing a semi-pro game that was billed as his first drug-free match in 33 years, but he admits he was still using. Now, with the book completed, Marinovich reflects on his past as 'another life'.
