Dexter Manley 'A Football Life' airs tonight 8pm CST on NFL Network

Kim · Sep 25, 2015

It's going to be good. He grew up in the 3rd Ward here in Htown, was illiterate at 27 and excelling in the NFL while battling demons.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...ball-life-nfl-network-joe-theismann/72800792/

Perhaps you remember Dexter Manley. But maybe not.

A quarter-century ago, he was one of the NFL's most-feared pass rushers. And the Washington Redskins' all-time sack leader retains a special place in the collective hearts of fans in the nation's capital.

But did you know:

— The prominent scar on Manley's left cheek came courtesy of a boxcutter when he was involved in a brawl at Oklahoma State?
— He temporarily served as a deputy sheriff while still a member of the Redskins? (there's more to this story)
— Often sporting a Mohawk as a young player, Manley was known as "Mr. D" because of his admiration for "Mr. T"?
— Despite being a defensive end, he made his first NFL mark as a gunner on special teams?
— He pawned a Super Bowl ring to finance the drug habit that eventually drove him out of the league?
— He admitted to a Congressional panel in 1989 that he'd only begun to read and write three years earlier?
— Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann's horrific leg injury in 1985 made Manley face his own athletic mortality and illiteracy?
Manley's story is the latest documented by NFL Network's A Football Life series. His wife, children and former teammates, including Theismann, are unsparing in their reflections of him but also offer memories of his gregarious, fun-loving side. Manley himself is circumspect about his career, addiction, time in prison, shortcomings and his (currently successful) battle to overcome his demons.

It's an honest and entertaining look at one of the 1980s' greatest players, but a man who's faded into NFL history despite 97½ career sacks.

Dexter Manley: A Football Life premieres on NFL Network on Friday at 9 p.m. ET.
Click to expand...

DCkid · Sep 25, 2015

Kim said: ↑

It's going to be good. He grew up in the 3rd Ward here in Htown, was illiterate at 27 and excelling in the NFL while battling demons.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...ball-life-nfl-network-joe-theismann/72800792/
Click to expand...

Sounds good. Thanks for the heads up.

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Dexter Manley 'A Football Life' airs tonight 8pm CST on NFL Network

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