Mark Murphy (American football executive)

Mark Murphy was born on July 13, 1955, in Fulton, New York.[1] He attended Clarence High School, where he played football, baseball and basketball. He was the co-captain of the school's football team and during his senior year, he was recognized as the best all-around athlete in western New York.[2]

Murphy attended Colgate University where he received his bachelors degree in economics.[3] While at Colgate, he played college football and baseball. Halfway through his freshmen year, he became a starting defensive back. During his junior year, he led his team in interceptions and tackles, while helping Colgate to a record of 8–2. That year, he was named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division I football all-star squad, received the Hal W. Lahar Trophy (most valuable defensive player), and honorable mention for the Associated Press all-east team.[4][5] During his college football career, he intercepted over 10 passes and respected enough that opposing teams often did not throw the ball in his direction.[6] Murphy completed post-graduate work from two universities. In 1983, while playing full-time in the NFL, he completed his Master of Business Administration from American University.[3] Then, in 1988, he received his law degree from Georgetown University.[7]

After deciding to focus on football, Murphy ended up going undrafted in the 1977 NFL Draft. He signed shortly thereafter with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent, primarily to serve on special teams.[7] In his first two seasons, Murphy played in 30 games, but did not start and did not record any defensive statistics (tackles were not officially recorded until 2001).[8] He excelled on special teams as a rookie, including blocking a punt in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.[9][10] He did return three kick-offs for a total of 44 yards in his first season and caught one pass for 13 yards in his second. Murphy became a starter in his third season, beginning a run of four straight seasons where he started every game as the Redskins starting safety. From 1979 to 1983, Murphy recorded 27 interceptions, six fumble recoveries and one forced fumble during the regular season. He added an additional interception and a fumble recovery in the playoffs. Over his career, Murphy played in 109 regular season games and eight playoff games, all for the Redskins and all under hall of fame head coach Joe Gibbs.[8][11]

Murphy (middle) tackling an opponent in Super Bowl XVII

Murphy was co-captain of the 1982 Washington Redskins team that won Super Bowl XVII during the 1982 strike-shortened NFL season.[11] During the second half of the Super Bowl, Murphy recorded a critical interception that helped prevent the Miami Dolphins from opening up a larger lead. The Redskins ultimately scored 17-straight points to secure the victory.[12][13] The 1983 NFL season was Murphy's finest of his career though, as he |led the NFL in interceptions with nine.[14] The Redskins would go on to play in their second consecutive Super Bowl, although they lost 38–9 to the Los Angeles Raiders.[15] Murphy was named to the 1984 Pro Bowl and received first-team All-Pro honors.[7] Murphy's last season with the Redskins was the 1984 NFL season, where he missed nine games due to a knee injury. At the end of the season, he was released by the team after contract negotiations became divisive.[16] In 1984, Murphy won the "Miller Man of the Year" for his off-field work in the community.[7]

During his time with the Redskins, Murphy was elected by his fellow teammates as the Redskins representative to the NFL Players Association.[2] He served in this role from 1980 to 1984, including as vice president of the Association from 1983 to 1984.[1] In this role, he became very active in the strike that shortened the 1982 NFL season.[17] Many, including Murphy, felt that his prominent role in the strike shortened led to his eventual release by the Redskins.[16][18] In recognition of his achievements with the Redskins, he has been named by the team to the 70, 80 and 90 Greatest players in the team's history.[19][20][21] He also is part of the organization's 50th Anniversary Team.[7] In 2002, he was elected to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the football field.[2]

Murphy married his wife Laurie after the met at Colgate University and they have four children together. They are active in numerous local organizations, including multiple schools, churches and youth sports leagues.[1] Financially, the Murphy's have donated to organizations like the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, We All Rise Green Bay, Urban Triage and Maroon Calabash. Murphy also donated $250,000 to "causes in Wisconsin that support social justice and racial equality" following the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests.[27]