At a Glance

Hometown: Santa Maria, California (born September 17, 1970) High School: Mark graduated from St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, California. As quarterback, he willed the Knights to victory in two league championship games. Mark also led his team to an appearance in the CIF finals, California’s high school football state championship series. College: Mark was a student-athlete at the University of Washington. His determination, talent, and unique ‘run and gun’ style of play made Mark a tough quarterback to defend. The Huskies only lost two games on their way to being crowned Pac-10 champions in Brunell’s first year as the starting quarterback. For their triumphant season, Mark and the rest of the Huskies were awarded a bid to the 1990 Rose Bowl. Brunell’s lucrative performance during the victory over the University of Iowa earned him MVP honors. Mark was the undisputed starter heading into spring training in 1991. But he sustained a serious knee injury during the Huskies’ annual spring game. Little did he know, the knee problem would plague him throughout the rest of his career. Mark spent hours in the training room strengthening his knee in hopes of a quick recovery. He returned to action months ahead of schedule and received a standing ovation in his first game back with a huge victory over rival Kansas State. His determination and heralded work ethic led the Huskies to an undefeated regular season and their second straight Rose Bowl victory. As a senior in 1992, Mark again struggled with knee problems. He was forced into a limited role during the first few weeks of his last collegiate season. Like a story that never ends, Mark fought back into his starting role and led the Huskies to their third straight PAC-10 championship despite losing two of their last three regular season games. NFL Experience: Mark was the 6th selection of the 5th round in the 1993 draft by the Green Bay Packers. Having graduated a Washington Husky, many members of the Seattle community were critical of the Seattle Seahawks (having the 2nd overall selection in the draft) for choosing to take Notre Dame quarterback ‘Rick Mirer’ instead of waiting to draft Brunell, who was projected to be picked in the later rounds. Brunell considered himself lucky to be a peer and understudy to Brett Favre during his time in Green Bay. He spent two years learning under the hall of fame quarterback before being acquired by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995. The Jaguars were one of two expansion teams (the other being the Carolina Panthers) to enter the league in 20 years. It didn’t take long for Mark to win the starting job over Steve Beuerlein during the franchise’s inaugural season. He led the Jaguars to the playoffs the next four years and secured their first AFC Central Division Championship. Brunell became the heralded leader of the first NFL expansion team to make the playoffs three times in its first four seasons of play. Mark was eventually traded to the Redskins after a tremendous career in Jacksonville. Knee problems continued to impact his health but his work ethic never wavered. Brunell was second runner-up for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2005. He will always be remembered by the Redskin nation for connecting with Santana Moss for two long touchdown throws during the final minutes on Monday Night Football to defeat their division foe: the Dallas Cowboys. In 2008, New Orleans acquired Mark to be a back-up and veteran advisor to Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Then-head coach Sean Payton knew Mark understood the game and could identify defensive schemes like a magician. He was a valuable asset, offering insider suggestions to Brees every time he came off the field. He earned his first Super Bowl ring as a member of the 2009 New Orleans Saints.The New York Jets signed Mark to a two year contract on July 28, 2010. In New York, he would have the same backup quarterback role behind Mark Sanchez as he did behind Drew Brees in New Orleans.

Bio

Career Bio:PLAYER: University of Washington (1988-1992), Green Bay Packers (1993-1994), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-2003), Washington Redskins (2004-2007), New Orleans Saints (2008-2009), New York Jets (2010-2011) COACH: Providence School Jacksonville, FL (2012), Episcopal School of Jacksonville (2013-Present) BUSINESSMAN: Mark owns multiple ‘WHATABURGER’ fast food locations throughout the Jacksonville, Florida area Career Highlights: • Super Bowl XLIV Champion (New Orleans Saints)• Totals 32,045 passing yards and 184 touchdowns/ 2,421 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns (As of January, 2011)• Set the NFL record for most consecutive completions in a single game (22), (September 24, 2006)• Set Redskins franchise record for the highest completion percentage in a single game (88.9%), (September 24, 2006)• Three time NFL Pro Bowl selection (1999,1997,1996)• Ed Block Courage Award (1998)• NFL Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player (1997)• PAC 10 Champion (University of Washington-1992,1991,1990)• Rose Bowl Champion (University of Washington-1991,1990)• Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player (University of Washington-1990) Family Bio: Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell was born on September 17, 1970. He became a father on May 17, 1992 when his daughter Caitlin was born to him and his wife Stacy. They also have three boys; Jacob, Joseph, and Luke. Mark, and his brother Dave were raised by their parents Dave and Sharon Brunell in Santa Maria, California. While Mark was growing up, his dad played an integral role in his life, as he still does today. Dave Brunell was the athletic director and the baseball and football coach at St. Joseph High School where Mark excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Dave Brunell was always encouraging and very supportive of Mark on and off the field. Now Mark tries to be loving and supportive of his children too.Ever since he became a dad, Mark has always made being a good father a high priority. He always takes time to attend his children's baseball games, dance recitals, and karate competitions. He also loves to just hang out with the children and play. He says that being a dad is one of the greatest gifts that God has given him. In 1997, the Brunells were motivated to establish The Brunell Family Foundation, a foundation to benefit critically ill children and their families, after their son Jacob became very sick with a respiratory infection. His children will tell you that they have the greatest daddy in the whole world. Guess that's why he's an All Pro Dad!

Books:

• Title: “Mark Brunell: Star Quarterback”Author: Paul SteenkamerLink to Purchase: Mark Brunell: Star Quarterback (Sports Reports)• Title: “Mark Brunell (Football Superstar)”Author: Sports Publishing Inc. & Pete PriscoLink to Purchase:Mark Brunell (Football Superstar)

Foundations:

“The Brunell Family Foundation”- FounderThe foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for children and families during life changing traumas. The Foundation strives to improve the overall wellness and strength of the family or individual through emotional, physical, and financial support.Website Link: http://brunellfamilyfoundation.com/

Volunteer:

• Helped establish Southpoint Community Church in Jacksonville, Fl.• Very involved member of Champions for Christ, an organization dedicated to assisting students who are preparing for full time Christian ministry• As a Jaguar, Mark spent a lot of time volunteering at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fl.• Annual host of the ‘Landstar Mark Brunell Charity Golf Tournament’• Supports the Wolfsons Children’s Hospital• Contributes to the Ronald McDonald House• Avid supporter of the ‘Dreams Come True’ foundation

Video Gallery