Mark Murphy

Mark Steven Murphy (born April 22, 1958) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). After graduating from GlenOak High School near his hometown of Canton, Ohio, Murphy attended West Liberty State College. At West Liberty, he played college football for all four years, with the last three as a starter for the Hilltoppers. In his senior year, he was named All-WVIAC and won the WVIAC championship. He went undrafted in the 1980 NFL draft, but was subsequently signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. He played for the Packers for 12 years before retiring in 1991. After his playing career, Murphy coached high school and college football in Ohio. He was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1998 in recognition of his contributions to the team.

Early life and college Mark Murphy was born on April 22, 1958, in Canton, Ohio. As a child, he suffered from alopecia and lost his hair by the third grade. Murphy attended Oakwood High School before it merged with Glenwood High School to form GlenOak High School. At GlenOak, he played on the football team, primarily as a defensive back but also as a running back and wide receiver. During his senior year, he was named second-team All-Federal League and second-team All-Stark County while helping lead GlenOak's defense, which allowed the third lowest points in Stark County and was rated the best versus the pass.

Professional career Green Bay Packers Murphy went undrafted in the 1980 NFL draft but was signed as an undrafted free agent shortly thereafter. and then Gray got injured partway through the season. earning him "Rookie of the Year" distinction from the Wisconsin Sports media. Gray returned in 1982 from his injury, pushing Murphy into the nickelback position. In 1984, Murphy started all 16 games, recording one interception and one fumble recovery. The next year, he recorded two interceptions, one fumble recovery and scored the only touchdown of his career.

In 1986, Murphy suffered a stress fracture in his left foot that ultimately prevented him from playing the whole season. There was also concern that the injury would end his career, however after rehabilitation, Murphy returned for the 1987 NFL season, playing 12 games. 1988 was statistically Murphy's best season: he set career-highs with five interceptions and four fumble recoveries while only playing in 14 of 16 games. In 1989, 1990 and 1991, Murphy recorded three interceptions each year while starting every game of all three seasons. Murphy did not sign with another team and ultimately retired from the NFL.

Coaching In 1996 or 1997, Murphy began coaching football at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. As of 2019, he was the defensive backfield coach and the assistant dean of students.