Mark Brunell
Encyclopedia
Mark Allen Brunell is an American football
quarterback
who currently plays for the New York Jets
. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers
in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft
. He played college football
at Washington
.
Brunell was a three-time Pro Bowl
selection with the Jacksonville Jaguars
. He has also played for the Washington Redskins
, the New Orleans Saints
and the New York Jets
. In the 2009 season he earned a Super Bowl ring
as the backup quarterback and holder for the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV
winning team.
of Santa Maria, California
in the 1985, 1986, and 1987 seasons. Brunell led his team to two league championships and one appearance in the CIF finals, California's version of the state championship series.
out of high school in a highly touted recruiting class that included future NFL players Lincoln Kennedy
and Steve Emtman
. Brunell saw his first action in his Redshirt Freshman year, and took over the starting duties in his sophomore season. Brunell's abilities as a run-pass combo quarterback flashed potential from his first start. In his third start, Brunell led the Huskies in a 31-0 romp over a highly ranked USC
team which established the Huskies of the early 1990s as a potential force in Pac-10 football. While Brunell continued to develop throughout his first season as a starter the Huskies climbed in the rankings. An early season loss to the eventual national champion University of Colorado
and late season 22-25 loss to UCLA were the only losses for what, by seasons end, was a dominant Husky team. With the Huskies crowned Pac-10 champions, Brunell played his best game yet in the Rose Bowl and was named the game's MVP as Washington coasted to a 46-34 win over Big Ten Conference
Champion Iowa.
Though the Huskies finished the season ranked 5th in the Associated Press
poll, one poll crowned them National Champions. Irrespective of their final ranking, the Huskies, with Brunell's star rising, seemed set to soar to even loftier heights in 1991. Brunell was expected to lead the Huskies in 1991, but a devastating knee injury in the annual Husky spring game would sideline Brunell and cast the Husky hopes for a National Championship run in doubt. Brunell, however, was capably replaced by Puyallup, Washington
native Billy Joe Hobert
and the University of Washington went on to win their first 2 games in Brunell's absence. Though Brunell was not yet fully recovered, he returned months ahead of schedule to action in Washington's third game in 1991. Brunell received a standing ovation upon his return in the 56-3 victory over Kansas State.
Brunell would play occasionally in the remainder of Husky games as the season progressed, but usually entered the games well after the outcomes were no longer in doubt. The 1991 University of Washington team defeated every regular season opponent with most games providing plenty of playing time for younger and back up players.
On January 1, 1992, Brunell played a small role (but threw a touchdown pass to Mario Bailey
) in Washington's second straight Rose Bowl victory, this time over the University of Michigan
. Washington finished the season ranked first in the UPI poll and 2nd the Associated Press poll behind the University of Miami
.
In 1992, with two successful quarterbacks returning (Hobert and Brunell), Brunell was unable to wrestle the starting QB spot away from Hobert and as such contributed in a limited role during the University of Washington's first 8 games (all wins). However, during the week of November 2, 1992, the Los Angeles Times
ran an exposé on Washington football wherein current starter Billy Joe Hobert was implicated in actions seemingly in violation of NCAA rules. As a result, Hobert was immediately suspended and Brunell was thrust back into the starting role for the Huskies. Now a senior, Brunell steered the devastated Huskies to one win in their last three regular season games. The Huskies, however, again won the Pac-10 and Brunell started his second Rose Bowl game, this time against Michigan.
QB Rick Mirer
instead of waiting to select Brunell.
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 2,168 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 480 yards.
During his years in Jacksonville
, Brunell was selected 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 Jaguars won an AFC Central Division title 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.
Brunell was benched in favor of Byron Leftwich
following halftime of the third game of the 2003 season. It would be the final time Brunell took the field as a member of the Jaguars. As a starter since their inaugural season, Brunell retired holding all of the Jacksonville Jaguars Records
.
prior to the 2004 season.
During the 2004 season, limited by a hamstring injury, Brunell struggled and would be benched midseason for backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey
. Ramsey's play towards the end of that season and following pre-season would lead to a quarterback controversy where Brunell would be benched going into the 2005 season. This would change in 2005 after Ramsey suffered an early season injury that thrust Brunell back into the starter's role.
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 was during Week 2, when he completed two long passes to wide receiver Santana Moss
for two touchdowns in the final four 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
(which, incidentally, was tied eight weeks later on Nov. 19, 2006 by David Carr of 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 first nine 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 8, 2007, to repair a damaged labrum in his throwing shoulder, but returned in time for training camp.
In 2007, Mark Brunell was surpassed on the Redskins' depth chart by Todd Collins.
. As the Saints have not issued number 8 since Archie Manning
retired, Brunell changed his jersey number to 11, the only time in his career he would wear a jersey number besides his customary number 8.
He entered the 2008 season as the backup to Drew Brees
. He did not appear in a game in 2008. In 2009 he appeared in all 16 games as the holder on the Saints place-kicking unit, and saw his first playing time at quarterback in 3 years during a week 17 loss to the Carolina Panthers
, as the Saints had already clinched homefield advantage and rested starter Drew Brees
, as well as many other starters. Although he played little for the Saints, he was noted for his role as a veteran advisor to the Saints' starting quarterback, Drew Brees
. On January 24, 2010, Brunell was the holder on the 40 yard field goal kicked by Garrett Hartley in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game to send the New Orleans Saints to the team's first ever Super Bowl. On February 7, 2010, Brunell won a Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints when the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV
, 31-17.
. Brunell completed his first pass for the Jets on October 3 against the Buffalo Bills. In the last regular game of the 2010 season, while filling in for starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, Brunell threw his first scoring pass since 2006, a 17-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 15 seconds left in the opening half. He then went on to throw a second scoring pass for 52 yards to Braylon Edwards in the second half.
After one season with the Jets, he was released on July 29, 2011. He was re-signed by New York on July 31, at a reduced salary.
). When they were living in Florida, Brunell was very active within Southpoint Community Church, a church on the southside of Jacksonville that he helped found. He was also 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.
When Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who played quarterback for the team after Brunell, was asked what player he learned the most from in his career, Campbell said it was Mark Brunell. Campbell said "a nice tribute about how the man he replaced helped him become a better person off the field."
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. She now attends Providence School in Jacksonville, Florida. Caitlin won Miss Teen Jacksonville USA on February 28, 2009, and competed for the title of Miss Teen Florida USA in July 2009. Caitlin was also crowned Queen Shenandoah LXXXIV at the 84th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
on April 30, 2011 in Winchester, Virginia
.
fast food locations around the Jacksonville area.
, at least in part due to numerous failed real estate and other business investments. It is also reported that Brunell and several of his co-investors (also former teammates) have defaulted on 'multiple' loans involving different properties around the country.
According to a Florida Times-Union report, Brunell listed approximately $5.5 million in assets against almost $25 million in liabilities. The liabilities are mostly in the form of personal guarantees on commercial real estate loans involving several of his limited liability corporations. The operation of 11 Whataburger
franchise locations in which Brunell is involved will not be affected by the bankruptcy.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
who currently plays for the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft
1993 NFL Draft
The 1993 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 25-26, 1993...
. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Washington
Washington Huskies football
College football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by...
.
Brunell was a three-time Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
selection with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He has also played for the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
, the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
and the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the 2009 season he earned a Super Bowl ring
Super Bowl ring
The Super Bowl ring is an award in the National Football League given to the winners of the league's annual championship game, the Super Bowl...
as the backup quarterback and holder for the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion New Orleans Saints to decide the National Football League champion for the 2009 season. The Saints defeated the Colts by a score of...
winning team.
Early years
Brunell was the starting quarterback for the St. Joseph High School KnightsSt. Joseph High School (Santa Maria, California)
St. Joseph High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Orcutt, California. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.-Notable alumni:*Mark Brunell, NFL quarterback*Mark Velasquez, "Work of Art" Season One, 2010...
of Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria is a city in Santa Barbara County, on the Central Coast of California. The 2010 census population was 100,062, putting it ahead of Santa Barbara for the first time and making it the largest city in the county...
in the 1985, 1986, and 1987 seasons. Brunell led his team to two league championships and one appearance in the CIF finals, California's version of the state championship series.
College career
Brunell signed with the University of WashingtonUniversity of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
out of high school in a highly touted recruiting class that included future NFL players Lincoln Kennedy
Lincoln Kennedy
Tamerlane Lincoln Kennedy Jr. is a former American football offensive tackle and currently is a broadcaster for Fox Sports and Premiere Radio Networks.-High school career:...
and Steve Emtman
Steve Emtman
Steven Charles "Steve" Emtman is a former professional American football player. He played defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins of the National Football League...
. Brunell saw his first action in his Redshirt Freshman year, and took over the starting duties in his sophomore season. Brunell's abilities as a run-pass combo quarterback flashed potential from his first start. In his third start, Brunell led the Huskies in a 31-0 romp over a highly ranked USC
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
team which established the Huskies of the early 1990s as a potential force in Pac-10 football. While Brunell continued to develop throughout his first season as a starter the Huskies climbed in the rankings. An early season loss to the eventual national champion University of Colorado
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
and late season 22-25 loss to UCLA were the only losses for what, by seasons end, was a dominant Husky team. With the Huskies crowned Pac-10 champions, Brunell played his best game yet in the Rose Bowl and was named the game's MVP as Washington coasted to a 46-34 win over Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
Champion Iowa.
Though the Huskies finished the season ranked 5th in the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
poll, one poll crowned them National Champions. Irrespective of their final ranking, the Huskies, with Brunell's star rising, seemed set to soar to even loftier heights in 1991. Brunell was expected to lead the Huskies in 1991, but a devastating knee injury in the annual Husky spring game would sideline Brunell and cast the Husky hopes for a National Championship run in doubt. Brunell, however, was capably replaced by Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup, Washington is a city in Pierce County, Washington about five miles east of Tacoma. The population was 37,022 at the 2010 Census. Named after the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans, Puyallup means "the generous people."-History:...
native Billy Joe Hobert
Billy Joe Hobert
Billy Joe Hobert is a former professional American football quarterback. While at the University of Washington, he led the Huskies to a national championship in 1991, during his redshirt sophomore season...
and the University of Washington went on to win their first 2 games in Brunell's absence. Though Brunell was not yet fully recovered, he returned months ahead of schedule to action in Washington's third game in 1991. Brunell received a standing ovation upon his return in the 56-3 victory over Kansas State.
Brunell would play occasionally in the remainder of Husky games as the season progressed, but usually entered the games well after the outcomes were no longer in doubt. The 1991 University of Washington team defeated every regular season opponent with most games providing plenty of playing time for younger and back up players.
On January 1, 1992, Brunell played a small role (but threw a touchdown pass to Mario Bailey
Mario Bailey
Mario Bailey is a retired American football wide receiver who is the all-time reception leader in NFL Europe. He played for the Frankfurt Galaxy from 1995 through 2000 and was a favorite player for the local German fans. He was originally drafted by the Houston Oilers in the sixth round of the...
) in Washington's second straight Rose Bowl victory, this time over the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
. Washington finished the season ranked first in the UPI poll and 2nd the Associated Press poll behind the University of Miami
University of Miami
The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
.
In 1992, with two successful quarterbacks returning (Hobert and Brunell), Brunell was unable to wrestle the starting QB spot away from Hobert and as such contributed in a limited role during the University of Washington's first 8 games (all wins). However, during the week of November 2, 1992, the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
ran an exposé on Washington football wherein current starter Billy Joe Hobert was implicated in actions seemingly in violation of NCAA rules. As a result, Hobert was immediately suspended and Brunell was thrust back into the starting role for the Huskies. Now a senior, Brunell steered the devastated Huskies to one win in their last three regular season games. The Huskies, however, again won the Pac-10 and Brunell started his second Rose Bowl game, this time against Michigan.
Statistics
| Year | Comp | Att | Comp % | Passing | TD | INT |
| 1990 | 132 | 275 | 48.0 | 1,895 | 16 | 9 |
| 1992 | 127 | 219 | 58.0 | 1,609 | 7 | 4 |
NFL Draft
Following his senior season, Mark Brunell was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Many voices in the Seattle media were openly critical of the hometown Seahawks (who possessed the 2nd overall selection in the draft) for choosing to take Notre DameNotre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame's nickname is inherited from Irish immigrant soldiers who fought in the Civil War with the Union's Irish Brigade, , recollected among other places in the poetry of Joyce Kilmer who served with one of the Irish Brigade regiments during World War I...
QB Rick Mirer
Rick Mirer
Richard Franklin Mirer is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League. After a successful collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, Mirer was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the second pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. Mirer was traded to the Chicago Bears during...
instead of waiting to select Brunell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
He was acquired in 1995 by the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
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 2,168 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 480 yards.
During his years in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
, Brunell was selected to the Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
three times, in 1997, 1998, and 2000 and awarded the Pro Bowl MVP
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
in the 1997 game. With Brunell starting, the Jaguars won an AFC Central Division title 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
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. They returned again in 1999, but would lose to the Tennessee Titans.
Brunell was benched in favor of Byron Leftwich
Byron Leftwich
Byron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
following halftime of the third game of the 2003 season. It would be the final time Brunell took the field as a member of the Jaguars. As a starter since their inaugural season, Brunell retired holding all of the Jacksonville Jaguars Records
Jacksonville Jaguars Records
This page details the team and NFL records for the Jacksonville Jaguars American football team.-Single Season Records:Passing* Attempts: 557, Mark Brunell * Completions: 353, Mark Brunell...
.
Washington Redskins
He was traded to the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
prior to the 2004 season.
During the 2004 season, limited by a hamstring injury, Brunell struggled and would be benched midseason for backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Allen Ramsey is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins 32nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
. Ramsey's play towards the end of that season and following pre-season would lead to a quarterback controversy where Brunell would be benched going into the 2005 season. This would change in 2005 after Ramsey suffered an early season injury that thrust Brunell back into the starter's role.
In 2005, Brunell played much better and led the team to a 10–6 record and a playoff victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. He finished third in the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year awards.
Brunell's most prolific moment in the 2005 season was during Week 2, when he completed two long passes to wide receiver Santana Moss
Santana Moss
Santana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
for two touchdowns in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter to defeat the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
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
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
(which, incidentally, was tied eight weeks later on Nov. 19, 2006 by David Carr of the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
). Brunell also set the Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
franchise record for highest completion percentage in a single game (88.9%). The previous record was held by Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
quarterback Sammy Baugh
Sammy Baugh
Samuel Adrian "Slingin' Sammy" Baugh was an American football player and coach. He played college football for the Horned Frogs at Texas Christian University, where he was a two-time All-American. He then played in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952...
for 66 years (87.5%).
On November 13, 2006, after winning only three of their first nine games of 2006, Brunell was benched in favor of Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, 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 8, 2007, to repair a damaged labrum in his throwing shoulder, but returned in time for training camp.
In 2007, Mark Brunell was surpassed on the Redskins' depth chart by Todd Collins.
New Orleans Saints
On March 13, 2008, Brunell was signed by the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. As the Saints have not issued number 8 since Archie Manning
Archie Manning
Elisha Archibald "Archie" Manning III is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League, playing for the New Orleans Saints from 1971 to 1982, then for the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings...
retired, Brunell changed his jersey number to 11, the only time in his career he would wear a jersey number besides his customary number 8.
He entered the 2008 season as the backup to Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
. He did not appear in a game in 2008. In 2009 he appeared in all 16 games as the holder on the Saints place-kicking unit, and saw his first playing time at quarterback in 3 years during a week 17 loss to the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
, as the Saints had already clinched homefield advantage and rested starter Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
, as well as many other starters. Although he played little for the Saints, he was noted for his role as a veteran advisor to the Saints' starting quarterback, Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
. On January 24, 2010, Brunell was the holder on the 40 yard field goal kicked by Garrett Hartley in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game to send the New Orleans Saints to the team's first ever Super Bowl. On February 7, 2010, Brunell won a Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints when the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion New Orleans Saints to decide the National Football League champion for the 2009 season. The Saints defeated the Colts by a score of...
, 31-17.
New York Jets
Brunell was a free agent after the 2009 season, and did not re-sign with the Saints. On July 28, 2010, he signed a two-year deal to play for the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Brunell completed his first pass for the Jets on October 3 against the Buffalo Bills. In the last regular game of the 2010 season, while filling in for starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, Brunell threw his first scoring pass since 2006, a 17-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 15 seconds left in the opening half. He then went on to throw a second scoring pass for 52 yards to Braylon Edwards in the second half.
After one season with the Jets, he was released on July 29, 2011. He was re-signed by New York on July 31, at a reduced salary.
Regular Season
| Year | |G | |Passing | |Rushing | |Sacked | |Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Comp | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | Int | Rtg | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Sack | YdsL | Fum | FumL | ||||
| 1993 1993 NFL season The 1993 NFL season was the 74th regular season of the National Football League. For the first time in league history, all NFL teams played their 16-game schedule over a span of 18 weeks. After the success of expanding the regular season to a period of 17 weeks in 1990, the league hoped this new... | GB 1993 Green Bay Packers season The 1993 Green Bay Packers season resulted in a 9-7 record and the Packers' first playoff berth in 21 years . The record also marked the first back-to-back winning season since the Packers 1967 season... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1994 1994 NFL season The 1994 NFL season was the 75th regular season of the National Football League. To honor the NFL's 75th season, a special anniversary logo was designed and each player wore a patch on their jerseys with this logo throughout the season... | GB 1994 Green Bay Packers season The 1994 Green Bay Packers season was the team's 74th in the National Football League. The Packers posted a 9-7 record for their third straight winning season. 1994 marked the first of 8 seasons in which Packers' quarterback Brett Favre would throw more than 30 touchdown passes... |
2 | 0 | 27 | 12 | 44.4 | 95 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 53.8 | 6 | 7 | 1.2 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 1 | 1 |
| 1995 1995 NFL season The 1995 NFL season was the 76th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 30 teams with the addition of the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars... | JAX 1995 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1995 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's first year in the National Football League.-Expansion Draft: -Staff:-Roster:-Schedule:-Schedule:-References:* *... |
13 | 10 | 346 | 201 | 58.1 | 2168 | 6.3 | 15 | 7 | 82.6 | 67 | 480 | 7.2 | 4 | 39 | 238 | 5 | 2 |
| 1996 1996 NFL season The 1996 NFL season was the 77th regular season of the National Football League and the season was marked by notable controversies from beginning to end... | JAX 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's second year in the National Football League, and saw the Jaguars trying to improve on their 4-12 record from their inaugural season. The Jaguars marked success as they won six of their last seven games of the season and finished with a record of 9–7... |
16 | 16 | 557 | 353 | 63.4 | 4367 | 7.8 | 19 | 20 | 84.0 | 80 | 396 | 5.0 | 3 | 50 | 257 | 14 | 3 |
| 1997 1997 NFL season The 1997 NFL season was the 78th regular season of the National Football League. The Oilers relocated from Houston, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee... | JAX 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's third year in the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Awards and records:... |
14 | 14 | 435 | 264 | 60.7 | 3281 | 7.5 | 18 | 7 | 91.2 | 48 | 257 | 5.4 | 2 | 33 | 189 | 4 | 2 |
| 1998 1998 NFL season The 1998 NFL season was the 79th regular season of the National Football League.The Tennessee Oilers moved their home games from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis to Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, still awaiting construction on a new stadium in Nashville.This was the first season that CBS... | JAX 1998 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1998 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's fourth year in the National Football League. The Jaguars appeared twice on Monday Night Football.-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Awards and records:... |
13 | 13 | 354 | 208 | 58.8 | 2601 | 7.3 | 20 | 9 | 89.9 | 49 | 192 | 3.9 | 0 | 28 | 172 | 3 | 2 |
| 1999 1999 NFL season The 1999 NFL season was the 80th regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns returned to the field for the first time since the 1995 season... | JAX 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's fifth year in the National Football League. Wide receiver Jimmy Smith set a franchise record for most receptions and receiving yards in one season. Smith would finish second in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,636 yards. The Jaguars' regular... |
15 | 15 | 441 | 259 | 58.7 | 3060 | 6.9 | 14 | 9 | 82.0 | 47 | 208 | 4.4 | 1 | 29 | 174 | 6 | 1 |
| 2000 2000 NFL season The 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXXV when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants.Week 1 of the season reverted to Labor Day weekend in 2000... | JAX 2000 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2000 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's sixth year in the National Football League. They finished with a record of 7–9.-Staff:-Schedule: -Schedule:-Standings:-Awards and records:... |
16 | 16 | 512 | 311 | 60.7 | 3640 | 7.1 | 20 | 14 | 84.0 | 48 | 236 | 4.9 | 2 | 54 | 289 | 7 | 3 |
| 2001 2001 NFL season The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day... | JAX 2001 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2001 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's seventh year in the National Football League.-2001 NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-References:* *... |
15 | 15 | 473 | 289 | 61.1 | 3309 | 7.0 | 19 | 13 | 84.1 | 39 | 224 | 5.7 | 1 | 57 | 387 | 8 | 3 |
| 2002 2002 NFL season The 2002 NFL season was the 83rd regular season of the National Football League.The league went back to an even number of teams, expanding to 32 teams with the addition of the Houston Texans. The clubs were then realigned into eight divisions, four teams in each... | JAX 2002 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2002 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's 8th year in the National Football League. The team finished with a record of 6–10 and finished 3rd place in the AFC South... |
15 | 15 | 416 | 245 | 58.9 | 2788 | 6.7 | 17 | 7 | 85.7 | 43 | 207 | 4.8 | 0 | 34 | 210 | 5 | 2 |
| 2003 2003 NFL season -Milestones:The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season:-Team:-Individual:-Awards:-External Links:**-References:*NFL Record and Fact Book *... | JAX 2003 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2003 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the ninth season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars failed to improve upon their 6–10 regular season record in 2002 and did not make the playoffs.... |
3 | 3 | 82 | 54 | 65.9 | 484 | 5.9 | 2 | 0 | 89.7 | 8 | 19 | 2.4 | 1 | 9 | 46 | 1 | 0 |
| 2004 2004 NFL season The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005... | WAS 2004 Washington Redskins season The 2004 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 5-11 record from 2003. It was also the season of Joe Gibbs's return as Head Coach after coming out of retirement.-Schedule:-Standings:... |
9 | 9 | 237 | 118 | 49.8 | 1194 | 5.0 | 7 | 6 | 63.9 | 19 | 62 | 3.3 | 0 | 15 | 105 | 6 | 3 |
| 2005 2005 NFL season The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006... | WAS 2005 Washington Redskins season The 2005 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 6-10 record from 2004. The Redskins placed 2nd in the NFC East. Washington earned their first playoff berth since 1999.-Offseason:... |
16 | 15 | 454 | 262 | 57.7 | 3050 | 6.7 | 23 | 10 | 85.9 | 42 | 111 | 2.6 | 0 | 27 | 213 | 11 | 6 |
| 2006 2006 NFL season The 2006 NFL season was the 87th regular season of the National Football League.Regular season play was held from September 7 to December 31, 2006... | WAS 2006 Washington Redskins season The 2006 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-6 record from 2005.-Offseason:After the end of the 2005 season, the Redskins were reported to be $20 million over the salary cap... |
10 | 9 | 260 | 162 | 62.3 | 1789 | 6.9 | 8 | 4 | 86.5 | 13 | 34 | 2.6 | 0 | 12 | 92 | 5 | 1 |
| 2007 2007 NFL season The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30.... | WAS 2007 Washington Redskins season The 2007 Washington Redskins season was the team's 75th season, and saw the team achieve a record of 9-7 and a playoff appearance. This was an improvement over the 2006 season in which they went 5-11 and finished last in the NFC East.... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 2008 NFL season The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the... | NO 2008 New Orleans Saints season The 2008 New Orleans Saints season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League . The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season.-Pre-season:-Regular season:... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 2009 NFL season The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at... | NO 2009 New Orleans Saints season The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the... |
4 | 1 | 30 | 15 | 50.0 | 102 | 3.4 | 0 | 1 | 44.0 | 4 | -12 | -3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 2010 NFL season The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League.The regular season began with the NFL Kickoff game on NBC on Thursday, September 9, at the Louisiana Superdome as the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9.Tom Brady,... | NYJ 2010 New York Jets season The 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game... |
2 | 0 | 12 | 6 | 50.0 | 110 | 9.2 | 2 | 1 | 86.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 176 | 151 | 4625 | 2754 | 59.5 | 31945 | 6.9 | 182 | 107 | 84.0 | 513 | 2421 | 4.7 | 15 | 389 | 2388 | 76 | 29 | |
Playoffs
| Year | |G | |Passing | |Rushing | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Comp | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | Int | Rtg | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | ||||
| 1994 1994 NFL season The 1994 NFL season was the 75th regular season of the National Football League. To honor the NFL's 75th season, a special anniversary logo was designed and each player wore a patch on their jerseys with this logo throughout the season... | GB 1994 Green Bay Packers season The 1994 Green Bay Packers season was the team's 74th in the National Football League. The Packers posted a 9-7 record for their third straight winning season. 1994 marked the first of 8 seasons in which Packers' quarterback Brett Favre would throw more than 30 touchdown passes... |
1 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 27.3 | 25 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 | 4 | 26 | 6.5 | 0 |
| 1996 1996 NFL season The 1996 NFL season was the 77th regular season of the National Football League and the season was marked by notable controversies from beginning to end... | JAX 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's second year in the National Football League, and saw the Jaguars trying to improve on their 4-12 record from their inaugural season. The Jaguars marked success as they won six of their last seven games of the season and finished with a record of 9–7... |
3 | 3 | 100 | 56 | 56.0 | 674 | 6.7 | 3 | 4 | 70.2 | 16 | 87 | 5.4 | 0 |
| 1997 1997 NFL season The 1997 NFL season was the 78th regular season of the National Football League. The Oilers relocated from Houston, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee... | JAX 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's third year in the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Awards and records:... |
1 | 1 | 32 | 18 | 56.3 | 203 | 6.3 | 0 | 1 | 62.4 | 3 | 4 | 1.3 | 0 |
| 1998 1998 NFL season The 1998 NFL season was the 79th regular season of the National Football League.The Tennessee Oilers moved their home games from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis to Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, still awaiting construction on a new stadium in Nashville.This was the first season that CBS... | JAX 1998 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1998 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's fourth year in the National Football League. The Jaguars appeared twice on Monday Night Football.-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Awards and records:... |
2 | 2 | 65 | 38 | 58.5 | 317 | 4.9 | 4 | 3 | 72.4 | 6 | 7 | 1.2 | 0 |
| 1999 1999 NFL season The 1999 NFL season was the 80th regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns returned to the field for the first time since the 1995 season... | JAX 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the team's fifth year in the National Football League. Wide receiver Jimmy Smith set a franchise record for most receptions and receiving yards in one season. Smith would finish second in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,636 yards. The Jaguars' regular... |
2 | 2 | 47 | 24 | 51.1 | 331 | 7.0 | 3 | 2 | 77.5 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 2005 2005 NFL season The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006... | WAS 2005 Washington Redskins season The 2005 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 6-10 record from 2004. The Redskins placed 2nd in the NFC East. Washington earned their first playoff berth since 1999.-Offseason:... |
2 | 2 | 52 | 29 | 55.8 | 283 | 5.4 | 1 | 1 | 69.6 | 8 | 18 | 2.3 | 0 |
| Total | 11 | 10 | 307 | 168 | 54.7 | 1833 | 6.0 | 11 | 11 | 69.6 | 39 | 147 | 3.8 | 0 | |
Christian life
Brunell and his family are active members of the Metro Morningstar Church (now Every NationEvery Nation
Every Nation Churches is an organization of non-denominational Christian churches. Its name embodies its goal of reaching "every nation in our generation" with the gospel....
). When they were living in Florida, Brunell was very active within Southpoint Community Church, a church on the southside of Jacksonville that he helped found. He was also one of the most involved members of Champions for Christ
Champions for Christ
Established in 1985 as part of the controversial Maranatha Campus Ministries, Champions for Christ is an outreach to college and professional athletes...
. He also conducted volunteer work at the University of North Florida
University of North Florida
The University of North Florida is a public university located in Jacksonville, Florida. A member institution of the State University System of Florida, the university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s...
.
Brunell's links with Champions for Christ
Champions for Christ
Established in 1985 as part of the controversial Maranatha Campus Ministries, Champions for Christ is an outreach to college and professional athletes...
has garnered some controversy, with the National Football League investigating CFC over concerns that players were being taken advantage of financially.
When Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who played quarterback for the team after Brunell, was asked what player he learned the most from in his career, Campbell said it was Mark Brunell. Campbell said "a nice tribute about how the man he replaced helped him become a better person off the field."
Family
Brunell is married to Stacy with a daughter, Caitlin, and three sons: Jacob, Joseph and Luke, CaitlinCaitlin Brunell
Caitlin Brunell from Great Falls, Virginia is a contestant who won the Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2008 title in August 2007....
won the Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen title in 2007 and then the Miss America's Outstanding Teen
Miss America's Outstanding Teen
Miss America's Outstanding Teen is an American scholarship pageant. It is a sister company to the Miss America Organization, and it aims to "promote scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens." The first competition was held in...
2008 in a national pageant held in Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
in August 2007. She now attends Providence School in Jacksonville, Florida. Caitlin won Miss Teen Jacksonville USA on February 28, 2009, and competed for the title of Miss Teen Florida USA in July 2009. Caitlin was also crowned Queen Shenandoah LXXXIV at the 84th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, a six-day festival held annually in Winchester, Virginia, is known for its many guest celebrities and events. The festival was first held Saturday, May 3, 1924, and was originally celebrated as a one day event...
on April 30, 2011 in Winchester, Virginia
Winchester, Virginia
Winchester is an independent city located in the northwestern portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the USA. The city's population was 26,203 according to the 2010 Census...
.
Business ventures
Brunell has been credited in establishing numerous WhataburgerWhataburger
Whataburger is a privately held, regional restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers. The company, founded by Harmon Dobson, opened its first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950...
fast food locations around the Jacksonville area.
Bankruptcy filing
On 25 June 2010, Brunell filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcyChapter 11, Title 11, United States Code
Chapter 11 is a chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is available to every business, whether organized as a corporation or sole proprietorship, and to individuals, although it is most...
, at least in part due to numerous failed real estate and other business investments. It is also reported that Brunell and several of his co-investors (also former teammates) have defaulted on 'multiple' loans involving different properties around the country.
According to a Florida Times-Union report, Brunell listed approximately $5.5 million in assets against almost $25 million in liabilities. The liabilities are mostly in the form of personal guarantees on commercial real estate loans involving several of his limited liability corporations. The operation of 11 Whataburger
Whataburger
Whataburger is a privately held, regional restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers. The company, founded by Harmon Dobson, opened its first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950...
franchise locations in which Brunell is involved will not be affected by the bankruptcy.
NFL Records
- Holds NFL record for most consecutive completions in a single game: 22 vs HoustonHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
on September 24, 2006 (first 22 attempts). Record later tied by David CarrDavid CarrDavid Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
.