Mark Rypien, walking his darkest path

From breakout star at Shadle Park to Super Bowl MVP, Mark Rypien was a local football hero. The head injuries he sustained over the course of his career, however, darkened many of his later years. Now he's once again looking for the light.

Section:Gallery

Fri., March 30, 2018

Mark Rypien displays his Super Bowl ring he won with the Washington Redskins in 1992. Rypien, the Redskins quarterback, was named MVP of the game.

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With the help of his wife, Danielle, former Super Bowl XXVI MVP and Shadle Park High graduate Mark Rypien is dealing with a traumatic brain injury caused by the many concussions he received during his football career.

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Mark Rypien's NFL career included being named the 1991 National Football League Player of the Year and the Super Bowl XXVI Most Valuable player. Now Rypien says he is dealing with a traumatic brain injury caused by the many concussions he received during his high school through NFL football career.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Mark Rypien discusses the effects of his brain injuries caused by playing football while sitting in his Rypien Foundation office, March 26, 2018, in downtown Spokane, Wash. Rypien played football for Shadle Park High School, Washington State University and the Washington Redskins.

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Mark Rypien of the Washington Redskins celebrating with both hands held high in the air in 1992.

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Mark Rypien plays for Washington Redskins in 1990.

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WSU football players, Mark Rypien and Ricky Turner, shake hands in 1985.

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WSU quarterback Mark Rypien in 1984.

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NFL star Qurterback Mark Rypien hears the rundown from coach Bob Haney in 1980 when Rypien played for Shadle Park.

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Shadle Park quarterback Mark Rypien. Dec. 4, 1980.

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