TV & VIDEO - Sept. 5, 1989

Football’s Tony Mandarich found a new diversion while waiting out negotiations with the Green Bay Packers. The All-American offensive tackle from Michigan State made his acting debut on NBC’s “Dear John,” portraying a football player who thinks his girlfriend is cheating on him with recurring character Mike (Sam McMurray). Mandarich said the audience laughed at his lines, and the shooting went without a hitch. “I’ve got all this talent that has yet to be exposed,” he said. A spokeswoman for the show said the 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle was cast by producers who were seeking an imposing and threatening individual for the role. The episode is scheduled to air in October.