After attending Shadle Park high school in Spokane, Washington, Mark Rypien played college football at Washington State University. He left college early and was selected in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL Draft.

1991 was Rypien's best NFL season; he threw for 3,564 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, leading the Washington Redskins to Super Bowl XXVI after recording a 14-2 regular season record. He was named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the game, passing for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns and leading his team to a 37-24 win over the Buffalo Bills. Rypien, a native of Calgary, Alberta, became the first foreign born player to earn the honor. Rypien was named to the Pro Bowl in both 1989 and 1991. He also was a member of the Super Bowl XXII Champion team.