Mark Clayton is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on April 8, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended the University of Louisville, where he played college football for the Louisville Cardinals.
Clayton was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the team's top receivers, earning a starting role in his rookie season. He played for the Dolphins for nine seasons, from 1983 to 1992, and was a key part of the team's success during that time.
Clayton was known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to make difficult catches in traffic. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, earning the honor in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1988. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 1984 and 1988.
During his time with the Dolphins, Clayton formed a dynamic receiving duo with fellow wide receiver Mark Duper. The two were known as the "Marks Brothers" and were one of the most prolific receiving tandems in NFL history. They combined for 12,038 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns during their time together in Miami.
Clayton's best season came in 1984, when he caught 73 passes for 1,389 yards and 18 touchdowns. He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns that season and was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year. He also helped lead the Dolphins to the Super Bowl that year, although they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
In addition to his success on the field, Clayton was also known for his flamboyant touchdown celebrations. He was one of the first players to incorporate elaborate dances and celebrations into his game, and his antics helped make him a fan favorite.
Clayton's career came to an end in 1993, when he was released by the Dolphins and signed with the Green Bay Packers. He played in just four games for the Packers before being released again, and he retired from the NFL shortly thereafter.
Despite his relatively short career, Clayton left a lasting impact on the NFL. He finished his career with 8,974 receiving yards and 84 touchdowns, and he was inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 2003. He remains one of the most beloved players in Dolphins history and is remembered as one of the greatest wide receivers of his era.
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