Mark Rypien is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He was born on October 2, 1962, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and grew up in Spokane, Washington. Rypien played college football at Washington State University, where he was a standout quarterback for the Cougars.
Rypien was selected by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He spent his first two seasons as a backup quarterback before becoming the starter in 1988. Rypien quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, leading the Redskins to a Super Bowl victory in 1991. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player after throwing for 292 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-24 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Rypien continued to play at a high level for the next few seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1992 and 1993. However, injuries and inconsistent play led to his eventual departure from the Redskins after the 1993 season. Rypien then played for several other teams, including the Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts. He retired from the NFL after the 2001 season.
Throughout his career, Rypien was known for his strong arm and accuracy as a passer. He threw for over 18,000 yards and 115 touchdowns in his NFL career. Rypien also had a reputation for being a clutch performer in big games, as evidenced by his Super Bowl MVP performance in 1991.
After retiring from football, Rypien struggled with personal issues, including depression and alcoholism. He has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about his struggles. Rypien has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including the Mark Rypien Foundation, which supports children with cancer and their families.
In conclusion, Mark Rypien had a successful career as an NFL quarterback, highlighted by his Super Bowl victory and MVP performance in 1991. He was known for his strong arm and accuracy as a passer, as well as his clutch performances in big games. Despite personal struggles after retiring from football, Rypien has become an advocate for mental health awareness and has continued to make a positive impact through his charitable work.
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