Mark Stepnoski

Mark Stepnoski

Date of birth:	January 20, 1967 (1967-01-20) (age 44)
Place of birth:	Erie, Pennsylvania
Career information
Position(s):	Center
College:	Pittsburgh
NFL Draft:	1989 / Round: 3 / Pick: 57
Organizations
As player:
1989–1994 1995–1998 1999–2001	Dallas Cowboys Houston/Tennessee Oilers Dallas Cowboys
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowls:	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Awards:	Pennsylvania All-Century Team[1]
Honors:	NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Playing stats at NFL.com

Mark Matthew Stepnoski (born January 20, 1967) is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He attended Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pennsylvania, and went on to star at the University of Pittsburgh. Stepnoski's professional career in the NFL was spent with the Dallas Cowboys (1989–1994, 1999–2000), and the Houston Oilers (1995–1998). Stepnoski won two Super Bowls while with the Cowboys and was a five time Pro Bowler, attending the game from 1992 through 1996.

Early years

Stepnoski, was a highly recruited all state offensive tackle from Erie Cathedral Preparatory School. He graduated from the school in 1985.

He signed with Pittsburgh University where he became a four year starter at offensive guard, helping clear de way for Craig Heyward and Curvin Richards to become two of the leading rushers in the nation.

Stepnoski was an All-American in 1988, 1989 and one of the three finalists for the Outland Trophy.

His play earned him a spot on his home state's All Century Second Team, compiled by the Pennsylvania Football News.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Stepnoski, was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 3rd round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He dropped in the draft, because the scouts thought that he was undersized for the NFL.

The Cowboys switched him to center, although he never played that position before. During his rookie year he was tutored by Tom Rafferty, who was playing his last season in the NFL. He became a starter for the last four games of the season.

Stepnoski used his athletic ability, leverage and balance, to outmaneuver bigger defensive players and become one of the leagues best centers of his era.

From 1992 to 1994, together with Erik Williams, Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton and Larry Allen, he was part of some of the best offensive lines to play in NFL history.

By 1992, he was a Pro Bowl center and a Super Bowl champion. The following season, he suffered an injury before Dallas won a back-to-back Super Bowl. In the early 90s he helped paved the way for Emmitt Smith to become the NFL's All Time Leading Rusher.

Stepnoski was one of the teams first big-named players to leave the Cowboys following the 1994 season via unrestricted free agency.

Houston Oilers

Mark signed with the Houston Oilers in 1995, who later became the Tennessee Titans in 1998. During his 4 seasons with the Oilers and Titans, he continued his streak of success making the Pro Bowl twice.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys signed Stepnoski as a free agent in 1999, finishing his career with 3 more solid years with the Cowboys and retiring after the 2001 season.

Stepnoski played 13 years in the NFL, including five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and a spot on the NFL's all-decade second team.

Personal life

In November 2007, Stepnoski expressed support for the 9/11 Truth Movement.^[2]

Stepnoski is also a marijuana legalization advocate and is an active member of NORML.^[3] His position on this subject, made his high school alma mater, Cathedral Preparatory School, rescinded his nomination to the school's athletic hall of fame.

References

1. ^ http://www.pafootballnews.com/AllCenturyTeams.htm
2. ^ Dudley, John (2007-11-04). "Q&A with Mark Stepnoski". Erie Times-News. http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071104/FOOTBALL04/711040515/-1/FOOTBALL}. Retrieved 2007-11-04. 
3. ^ Armentano, Paul (2003-03-10). "Lineman for Liberty". Reason. http://www.reason.com/hod/pa041003.shtml. Retrieved 2007-09-11. 

External links

• Dallas Cowboys Top 50 players
• The Pennsylvania Football News All-Century Team
• e Grass Is Sometimes Greener

Persondata
Name	Stepnoski, Mark
Alternative names
Short description	American football player
Date of birth	January 20, 1967
Place of birth	Erie, Pennsylvania
Date of death
Place of death

This biographical article relating to an American football offensive lineman born in the 1960s is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.v · Categories: 1967 births Living people Dallas Cowboys players National Conference Pro Bowl players American Conference Pro Bowl players Players of American football from Pennsylvania American football centers Big 33 Football Classic alumni Parade High School All-Americans (football) People from Erie, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Panthers football players American people of Polish descent American football offensive lineman, 1960s birth stubs Wikimedia Foundation. 2010. Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу Code page 865 Sheikh Mansur Look at other dictionaries: Mark Stepnoski — Position(en): Center/Guard Trikotnummer(n): 53 geboren am 20. Januar 1967 in Erie, Pennsylvania Karriereinformationen Aktiv: 1989–2001 NFL Draft: 1989 / Ru …   Deutsch Wikipedia Mark Tuinei — Position(s) Offensive tackle Jersey #(s) 71 Born March 31, 1960(1960 03 31) Oceanside, California Died May 6, 1999(1999 05 06) …   Wikipedia Dallas Cowboys — Current season Established 1960 Play in …   Wikipedia Michael Irvin — Michael Irvin, October 2007 No. 88      Wide receiver Personal information …   Wikipedia Nate Newton — This article is about the American football player. For the metalcore bassist, see Nate Newton (musician). Nate Newton No. 61      Guard Personal information Date of birth: December 20, 1961 (1961 12 20) …   Wikipedia Daryl Johnston — Johnston in September 2006. No. 48      Fullback Personal information Date of birth: February 10, 1966 …   Wikipedia Chad Hennings — Hennings at a speaking engagement Position(s) Defensive tackle Jersey #(s) 95 …   Wikipedia Dave Campo — Date of birth July 18, 1947 (1947 07 18) (age 64) Place of birth Groton, Connecticut Position(s) Secondary Coach College Central Connecticut State …   Wikipedia Darren Woodson — No. 28      Safety Personal information Date of birth: April 25, 1969 (1969 04 25) (age 42) Place of birth: Phoenix, A …   Wikipedia Charles Haley — Position(s) Defensive end Linebacker Jersey #(s) 94, 95 Born January 6, 1964 (1964 01 06) (age 47) Lynchburg, Virginia …   Wikipedia 18+ © Academic, 2000-2024 Contact us: Technical Support, Advertising Dictionaries export, created on PHP, Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, MODx. Mark and share Search through all dictionaries Translate… Search Internet Share the article and excerpts Direct link … Do a right-click on the link above and select “Copy Link”