Who Was Art Schlichter’s First Wife? The Untold Story Behind the Former NFL Quarterback’s Troubled Life
When people search for Art Schlichter’s first wife, they are often drawn into one of the most tragic and cautionary stories in American sports history. Art Schlichter was once a bright star—a talented quarterback destined for greatness at Ohio State University and in the NFL. But behind the headlines of his meteoric rise and catastrophic fall was a private life marked by heartbreak, most notably through his marriage to his first wife, Mitzi Johnston Schlichter. Their story is one of love, hope, and eventual despair, a reflection of how addiction can destroy even the strongest bonds.
Who Is Art Schlichter?
Born on April 25, 1960, in Bloomingburg, Ohio, Arthur Ernest Schlichter seemed destined for success from an early age. A natural athlete, he became one of the most celebrated high school quarterbacks in the state’s history, eventually earning a scholarship to play at Ohio State University under legendary coach Woody Hayes. Schlichter was the face of the Buckeyes in the late 1970s and early 1980s—a confident, strong-armed quarterback who looked poised for NFL stardom.
In 1982, his dream came true when he was drafted fourth overall by the Baltimore Colts. However, beneath the surface of success was a growing addiction that would soon unravel his entire life. Schlichter had been gambling since college, and the habit quickly spiraled out of control. What began as friendly bets evolved into a destructive obsession that cost him money, his career, and eventually, his family.
Art Schlichter’s Rise and Fall
Schlichter’s professional football career was short-lived. Within two years of joining the Colts, he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for gambling. Though reinstated briefly, he could not stay away from betting. His addiction consumed him, leading to mounting debts and repeated run-ins with the law. Over the years, he cycled through periods of rehabilitation and relapse, with gambling dictating nearly every major decision in his life.
By the late 1980s, Schlichter was not only out of the NFL but also facing serious legal troubles. He became involved in various scams to support his habit—check fraud, ticket schemes, and theft—all of which landed him in and out of prison. It was during this chaotic period that the strain on his marriage became impossible to ignore.
Who Was Art Schlichter’s First Wife?
Art Schlichter’s first wife was Mitzi Johnston Schlichter, a woman who met him during his early years as a football sensation in Ohio. At the time, Schlichter was adored by fans, and Mitzi fell in love with the man behind the fame—a charming, ambitious athlete with dreams bigger than himself. They married in the early 1980s, full of hope for a happy future together.
Mitzi was supportive from the start. She believed in her husband’s talent and potential and stood by him as he transitioned from college football hero to professional quarterback. But what she could not have anticipated was how deeply his gambling addiction would affect their lives.
The Marriage and the Struggles Behind Closed Doors
From the outside, Art and Mitzi appeared to be the perfect couple—young, attractive, and successful. But behind closed doors, their marriage was filled with tension, secrecy, and growing despair. Schlichter’s gambling losses began early in their marriage, and as debts piled up, so did the lies.
Mitzi watched helplessly as her husband’s addiction worsened. What began as a few lost bets turned into thousands of dollars squandered on games, casinos, and risky ventures. Schlichter borrowed money from friends, teammates, and even family members to feed his compulsion. Mitzi tried to help him, urging him to seek treatment, but his addiction had already taken hold.
The strain of his behavior extended beyond finances. Schlichter’s arrests and public scandals brought humiliation and instability into their home. Each time he promised to change, he would relapse, leaving Mitzi to pick up the pieces emotionally and financially.
Despite her loyalty, Mitzi’s patience began to wear thin. Living with an addict is an exhausting and lonely experience, and she often found herself torn between love and self-preservation.
Divorce and Its Aftermath
After years of turmoil, Mitzi and Art Schlichter divorced in the mid-1990s. By that time, Schlichter’s gambling had led to numerous criminal charges, and he had been in and out of prison several times. The divorce was not a surprise to those who knew the couple; it was the inevitable conclusion to years of pain and broken promises.
Mitzi filed for divorce to protect herself and their children from further chaos. She had endured enough—financial instability, emotional distress, and the constant fear of public embarrassment. The separation allowed her to focus on rebuilding her life and providing stability for their two daughters.
After the divorce, Mitzi largely withdrew from the public eye. Unlike her ex-husband, she avoided interviews and media attention. Those close to her say she remained strong, determined to raise her children in a loving and grounded environment despite the shadow of their father’s notoriety.
Art Schlichter’s Later Life and Continued Troubles
Unfortunately, Art Schlichter’s troubles didn’t end with the divorce. His addiction continued to dominate his life, leading to a string of convictions for fraud and theft. In 2011, he made national headlines again after orchestrating a multi-million-dollar ticket scam that defrauded victims across several states, including elderly women who trusted him.
He was sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison and served most of it before being released in 2021. But even after his release, Schlichter violated probation conditions and was sent back to jail, proving that his struggle with addiction remains ongoing.
Mitzi’s Life After the Marriage
While Art’s name continued to appear in headlines for all the wrong reasons, Mitzi chose a life of privacy. She focused on raising her daughters and creating stability after years of public scrutiny and personal heartbreak. Those who knew her during and after the marriage describe her as resilient and compassionate, someone who tried to see the best in a man who could not save himself.
Mitzi’s story reflects the unseen toll addiction takes on families. While Schlichter’s downfall has been widely publicized, her endurance and quiet strength often go unnoticed. She represents the other side of the story—the person who bears the consequences of another’s self-destruction.
Lessons From Art Schlichter’s First Marriage
The story of Art and Mitzi Schlichter is more than a tabloid headline—it’s a cautionary tale about the devastating effects of addiction. Mitzi’s loyalty, patience, and eventual decision to walk away show that love alone cannot cure addiction. Schlichter’s compulsive behavior didn’t just destroy his career—it eroded the foundation of his marriage and family.
Addiction isolates, deceives, and ultimately consumes everyone it touches. Mitzi’s journey demonstrates the painful truth that sometimes the only way to survive is to let go. Her decision to protect herself and her children was an act of courage, not defeat.
Featured Image Source: si.com
