Mark Brunell
| Washington Redskins | |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| College: | Washington |
| NFL draft: | 1993 / Round: 5 / Pick: 118 |
| Career history | |
| |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Player stats at PFR | |
Mark Allen Brunell (born September 17 1970 in Santa Maria, California) is a left-handed 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.
High School Career
Brunell was the starting quarterback for the St. Joseph High School Knights of Santa Maria, CA in the 1985, 86, and 87 seasons. Brunell led his team to two league championships and one appearance in the CIF finals, California's version of the state championship series.
NFL career
Jacksonville Jaguars
He was acquired in 1995 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade for a 3rd round and 5th round pick in the 1995 draft. 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.
Washington Redskins
He was traded to the Washington Redskins prior to the 2004 season.
During the 2004 season, Brunell struggled, was limited by a hamstring injury and booed mercilessly by hometown fans for his poor performance. Brunell would be benched midseason for backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey.
In 2005, Brunell played much better and led the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished third in the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year awards.
Brunell's most prolific moment in the 2005 season during was during Week 2, when he completed two long passes to wide receiver Santana Moss for two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter to defeat the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, 14-13.
On September 24, 2006 Brunell broke the NFL record for most consecutive completions in single game when he completed his first 22 passes against the Houston Texans. Brunell also set the Redskins franchise record for highest completion percentage in a single game (88.9%). The previous record was held by Hall of Fame quarterback Sammy Baugh for 66 years (87.5%).
On November 13, 2006 after winning only three of their nine first games of 2006, Brunell was benched in favor of Jason Campbell, Washington's 2005 first round draft pick. Many experts and teammates felt he was the scapegoat for a team that was under performing across the board.
Brunell underwent surgery on January 8th, 2007 to repair a damaged labrum in his throwing shoulder, but returned in time for training camp.
Christian Life
Mark Brunell and his family are active members of the Metro Morningstar Church (now Every Nation). 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. He also conducted volunteer work at the University of North Florida.
Brunell's links with Champions for Christ has garnered some controversy, with the National Football League investigating CFC over concerns that players were being taken advantage of financially.[1][2]
Family
Brunell's daughter Caitlin Brunell won the Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen title in 2007 and then the Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2008 in a national pageant held in Orlando in August 2007.[3]
Records
- Shares NFL record for most consecutive completions in a single game: 22 vs Houston on September 24, 2006 (first 22 attempts).
References
- ^ Teams seek Inquiry into Religious Group, New York Times, August 2, 1998[1]
- ^ Voices From Above-Brunell’s records aren’t all from football. Washington City Paper, October 5, 2006 [2]
- ^ Centazzo (2007-05-02). "Kniffin Collects Dresses, Makes Prom Reality". Connection Newspapers.
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