Mark Duper is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Miami Dolphins for ten seasons. He was born on January 25, 1959, in Louisiana, and attended Northwestern State University, where he played college football.
Duper was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented wide receivers in the league, forming a formidable partnership with fellow receiver Mark Clayton. The duo became known as the "Marks Brothers" and were instrumental in the Dolphins' success during the 1980s.
Duper's speed and agility made him a dangerous deep threat, and he was known for his ability to make acrobatic catches. He was also a reliable receiver, with a career catch percentage of 56.6%. Duper's best season came in 1984 when he caught 71 passes for 1,306 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl that year and was also named a First-Team All-Pro.
Duper's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered a broken leg in 1985, which caused him to miss several games. He also struggled with injuries in later seasons, which limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, Duper remained a key player for the Dolphins throughout his career.
Duper retired from the NFL after the 1992 season. He finished his career with 511 receptions for 8,869 yards and 59 touchdowns. He ranks second in Dolphins history in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns.
Since retiring from football, Duper has remained involved in the sport. He has worked as a coach and mentor to young players, and he has also been involved in various charitable organizations. In 2019, he was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Overall, Mark Duper was a talented and dynamic player who made a significant impact on the Miami Dolphins during his ten-year career. His speed, agility, and reliability made him a valuable asset to the team, and his partnership with Mark Clayton remains one of the most memorable in NFL history.
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