Northridge Lineman Zandi Finds Comfort in a Contact Sport

When Cal State Northridge defensive tackle Mike Zandi was in high school, he traveled to his hometown and witnessed events that made football seem tame by comparison.

“People were carrying guns in the street, and there was a lot of violence,” he said. “I didn’t even want to leave the house.”

Zandi wasn’t at the L.A. Street Scene. He was in Tehran, the capital of Iran, in 1981, soon after Ayatollah Khomeini took power. “Football,” he said, “seemed easier after that.”

Until he was 14, Zandi was called Mehrdad, not Mike, and lived in Tehran with his family. But in 1978, just before the Shah fled, the Zandis moved to the United States and settled in Reno, Nev., with relatives.

“I didn’t know a word of English and I didn’t know anything about football, not even the difference between offense and defense,” said Zandi, a 6-3, 235-pound junior who now speaks impeccable English and understands Xs and O’s.

In high school, Zandi had another hurdle to overcome. His parents returned to Iran, leaving Mike and his older sister on their own. He held odd jobs, often working past midnight, and found time to take part in football and track.

Despite his struggles, Zandi enjoys being here. “Iran is my country, but things are more comfortable here,” he said. “There are no hassles. Things are easier to get and there’s more opportunity.”

Zandi hopes opportunity comes his way on the football field. He’s a reserve for the undefeated Matadors (2-0), but figures he will improve with experience.

“This in only my fourth year playing football,” he said. “I spent my first year just trying to figure out what was going on.”

A physical education and business major, Zandi wants to become a coach, but he hasn’t decided whether he’ll stay here or return to Iran. His father, he said, is head of Iran’s Olympic Committee.

“If things change over there, maybe I’ll go back,” he said. “But there’s not much freedom right now.”