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Learning about Life, Loss, and becoming legendary with Redskins Former QB Mark Rypien

When I was a young boy, I loved the NY Giants. One of their main rivals was the Washington Redskins. When I eventually went to college in VA, most of the football fans were rabid Redskins fans. While I never converted to a ‘Skins fan, I did follow them closely and loved their rivalry with “my” team. Especially since legendary Redskins’ Coach Joe Gibbs’ son J.D. played with me at William & Mary. 

The Redskins star QB in the 90’s was Mark Rypien. Mark became “famous” and a “hero” to the Redskins nation when he guided them to a win in Super Bowl 26 and earned MVP honors. Well, it has come full-circle today as I have Mark Rypien “Live” at the TDE Headquarters & Fitness Quest 10 to record today’s podcast episode. 

Here are some of the things Mark & I discuss:

  • The difference between the NFL then versus the NFL today.
  • The legendary Coach Joe Gibbs and what he learned from him.
  • Strength and Conditioning in the ’80s & ‘90s vs. today.
  • Some of Mark’s best teammates and some of his toughest foes.
  • How does he feel about the name change from the Washington Redskins to The Washington Football Team.
  • His son Andrew, who lost his battle to an inoperable brain tumor, and how that IMPACTS him today.
  • What drives Mark today and where he finds happiness.

Thank you, Mark Rypien, for being a guest on the IMPACT Show!

Follow Mark at @rypienmark on IG, check out all the great things about his foundation – https://communitycancerfund.org., and do yourself a favor and watch the documentary Quite Explosions – https://quietexplosions.com/. You can listen to his own podcast called “MVP TALKS” anywhere podcasts are found.

Also, please SHARE the episode on your Social Media or in a newsletter as the knowledge, insights, and wisdom Mark shares are great. Thank you in advance!

Please be sure to tag Mark and me so I can reciprocate some love! 
IG/Twitter: @ToddDurkin @rypienmark
Facebook: @ToddDurkinFQ10


1:42 Meet Mark Rypien, former Washington Redskins Quarterback.

3:04 – Let’s talk about coach Gibbs.
Not only a father figure but an amazing coach! He always wanted to know as much about the player off the field as on the field!

5:02 – Strength and Conditioning back then vs. now
We ate McDonald’s every day. Quarter Pounders, fries, and apple pies! Things are much different now, we’ve come a long way since the ’80s.

9:48 – Mark shares some of the teammates he played with on the Redskins.
Art Monk was the consummate pro!

12:42 – Thoughts on the name change from Washington Redskins to The Washington Football Team?

14:40 – Mark shares his journey loving Basketball & Baseball to playing Football.
Loved basketball & baseball but hated getting beat up during football.  All American in all three sports!

22:31 – Drafted in the 6th round and 2nd passion, Golf!

25:33 – What is Mark doing now?
Honoring his late son Andrew through the foundation. Community Cancer Fund https://communitycancerfund.org.

33:03 – Mark’s mindset going through the illness of his son.
Battle. Try and keep some normalcy for the family. So much support from the football family.

35:16 – What is driving Mark today?
The ongoing efforts for the Community Cancer Fund and working with Prevacus. Check out the Documentary Quiet Explosions – https://quietexplosions.com/.

45:06 – Marks shares his health routine now.
Golf and Grandkids!

49:01- Close…Thank you Mark Rypien for sharing from your heart and soul!


Please keep your questions coming so I can highlight you on the podcast!!

If you have a burning question and want to be featured on the IMPACT show, go to www.todddurkin.com/podcast, fill out the form, and submit your questions! 


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