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."