https://www.espn.com/blog/washington...t-with-broncos
In 1988, quarterback Mark Rypien's first start put him on a path to helping Washington win a Super Bowl -- and earning him game MVP honors. Rypien went from a sixth-round pick in 1986 to a part-time starter to a Pro Bowl passer.
Now he hopes his nephew, Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien, has a similar journey as he makes his first start Thursday night against the New York Jets (8:20 ET, NFL Network).
Mark's first NFL start -- it was also his first appearance -- ended in a 30-21 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals 32 years ago this week. He completed 26-of-41 passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and a costly fumble.
But in 1991, Rypien threw 28 touchdown passes to 11 interceptions, averaged 8.5 yards per attempt and an NFL-best 14.3 yards per completion. In a 37-24 win against Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVI, Rypien threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, capping his second Pro Bowl season.