Rose Bowl Legend Mark Brunell

ROSE BOWL LEGENDS

Mark Brunell

Mark Allen Brunell (born 17 September 1970 in Santa Maria, California) is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the NFL's Washington Redskins. He was drafted out of the University of Washington by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the 1993 NFL Draft.

Brunell attended St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, California and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, he was both a quarterback and a safety on the football team during his three years with the football team, and finished his prep career with 5,893 passing yards and 41 touchdowns on offense. In baseball, he was a four-time All-League honoree. In 1992, he was selected as a 44th round pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 1992 MLB draft.

At the University of Washington, Mark Brunell completed 259 out of 498 passes for 3,423 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Played in three Rose Bowls and holds Rose Bowl career records for total passing yardage (560), total offense (618), completions (39), and touchdown passes (5). Voted to the all Pac-10 second team in 1990 and 1992. Member of the 1991 Washington Huskies national championship team.

Brunell was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round in 1993, seeing no action in his rookie year. In 1994, Brunell became the back-up to Brett Favre, completing 12 out of 27 passes for 197 yards.

He was acquired in 1995 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. That year, Brunell started 13 games, completed 201 out of 346 passes, for 2168 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 480 yards.

During his years in Jacksonville, Brunell was elected to the Pro Bowl three times, in 1997, 1998, and 2000 and awarded the Pro Bowl MVP in the 1997 game. With Brunell starting, the Jags won two AFC Central Division titles and became the first NFL expansion team to make the playoffs three times in its first four seasons of play. The furthest he led the team was to the 1996 AFC Championship Game, which they lost to the New England Patriots. They returned again in 1999, but would lose to the Tennessee Titans.

He was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for the Redskins' third round pick during the 2004 offseason. During the 2004 season, Brunell was limited by a hamstring injury and booed mercilessly by hometown fans for his poor performance. However, in 2005, Brunell came back with a renewed arm and led the team to a 10-6 record and the playoffs. He finished third in the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year voting.

Mark Brunell and his family are active members of the Metro Morningstar Church. When they were living in Florida, Brunell was very active within Southpoint Community Church, and was one of the most involved members of Champions for Christ Ministry. He also conducted volunteer work at the University of North Florida.

Brunell is married, with four children and they currently reside in Great Falls, VA. They make their permanent home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.