He knew only one speed -- hell-bent -- a zealous pace that brought him athletic records, fame, injury and fast criticism. Jim McMahon digested football and life with similar fervor, the two often battling each other.

The quarterback loved bars and night life, leaving residue that sometimes led to the field the next day. He blew up at coaches, ignored play calls, screamed in the huddle. He was brash and flamboyant, his headbands, exotic haircuts and dark sunglasses stoking a rebel-without-pause image.