Mark Brunell
Questions about Mark Brunell or the Jaguars?
Mark Brunell Legacy
HEYTC AIMark Brunell Rating Breakdown
Mark Brunell Career Stats via Wikipedia
Mark Brunell Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2010 1
Retires from NFL
Announced retirement at age 39 after 16 seasons, 25,698 passing yards, 237 TDs, and lasting legacy as Jaguars icon.
2008 1
Signs with Saints
Joined New Orleans Saints as backup to Drew Brees on two-year deal; appeared in 5 games over two seasons.
2006 1
Released by Commanders
Washington released Brunell after two underwhelming seasons, paving way for Jason Campbell; ended one-year stint as starter.
2004 1
Signs with Commanders
Signed a five-year, $25 million contract with Washington Commanders as free agent; started 10 games with modest stats in injury-plagued year.
2003 1
Major Knee Injury
Suffered severe knee injury (torn ligaments) in Week 4 against Texans, sidelining him for the entire 2003 season and ending Jaguars tenure.
1999 1
Third Pro Bowl Honor
Landed third consecutive Pro Bowl nod amid 14-2 Jaguars season, though team fell in AFC Championship to Titans.
1998 1
Second Pro Bowl Season
Selected to second Pro Bowl with 2,967 passing yards, 14 TDs, and franchise-record 10 rushing TDs; Jaguars reached AFC title game again.
1997 1
AFC Championship Run
Guided Jaguars to 11-5 record, first division title, and AFC Championship Game appearance after playoff wins over Broncos and Titans.
1996 1
First Pro Bowl & Playoff Berth
Earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 3,281 yards and 16 TDs; led Jaguars to first playoff appearance, upsetting Buffalo in Wild Card round.
1995 1
Jaguars Starter Emerges
Brunell took over as the Jaguars' starting quarterback, leading Jacksonville to a surprising 8-6 record in their second season.
1994 1
Traded to Jaguars
Brunell was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a third-round pick, marking the start of his tenure with the expansion franchise.
1993 1
Drafted by Packers
Mark Brunell was selected by the Green Bay Packers as a fifth-round pick (#164 overall) in the 1993 NFL Draft out of Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Brunell
How does Trevor Lawrence compare to Mark Brunell?
Trevor Lawrence has the arm and mobility to echo Mark Brunell's prime, but Brunell's the gold standard—four straight playoff runs with expansion Jags, that '96 league-leading 4,367 yards, and an AFC title game. Lawrence? Still chasing that first division crown Brunell snagged in '99. Legacy's a long shadow in Duval.
Is Mark Brunell in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nah, Mark Brunell's not in Canton, and at this point, it's a tough sell—32K yards and 184 TDs are solid, but no MVP nods or rings as the guy. Three Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl bench cameo with the Saints won't cut it against the elite. He's immortal in Jacksonville's Ring of Honor, though.
What is Mark Brunell doing now in 2026?
In 2026, Brunell's coaching QBs for the Lions, molding Jared Goff into a Pro Bowler with that absurd 4.14 TD-INT ratio back in '22. Before Detroit, he helmed Episcopal School of Jacksonville's football squad. Guy's still around the game, dishing wisdom like he did those lefty lasers.
How would Mark Brunell perform in today's NFL?
Brunell's scrambling wizardry and quick release would've feasted in today's pass-happy NFL—think those knee surgeries? Modern rules protect mobile QBs like him. Drop him in 2026 with RPOs and no-tackle boxes, he'd post 4,500-yard seasons easy, not unlike his '96 yardage crown, just with less punishment.
How does Mark Brunell compare to David Garrard?
Brunell edges Garrard as Duval's top QB—36.59 passer rating to Garrard's 33.13, plus those three Pro Bowls and back-to-back AFC title games Jags fans still dream about. Garrard had the '07 grit, but Brunell built the franchise from scratch. Both cult heroes, Mark's the bigger what-if.