JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars owner Shad Khan announced Tuesday that former quarterback Mark Brunell will be inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars at halftime of the team's Dec. 15 game against the Buffalo Bills.
Brunell will join former offensive tackle Tony Boselli (2006), former owners Wayne and Delores Weaver (2011) and running back Fred Taylor (2012) as the fifth member of the Pride of the Jaguars.
Recommended Videos
"Mark Brunell epitomized the Jaguars in their early years, and he was one of the main reasons for their success during that time," Khan said. "I personally recall how the Jaguars captured the imagination of NFL fans throughout the nation in those days and Mark Brunell was always in the highlights. Now that I have been here for about two years, I have gotten to see that this great quarterback is also a great person. Mark is a big part of the Jaguars family and the Jacksonville community, and it gives me great pride to join our fans in recognizing Mark and honoring him for his contributions to Jaguars history."
Brunell was the first player acquired by the Jaguars in a trade, joining the team on April 22, 1995, from the Green Bay Packers. He was the Jaguars' starting quarterback from 1995 through 2003, posting a winning record as a starter and leading the team to four playoff berths, eight postseason games and two AFC Championship games.
"I am truly honored and grateful for this recognition," Brunell said. "I cherish my memories of playing here in Jacksonville because in many ways those were the best years of my career. My family and I have returned to make Jacksonville our home, and we will continue to be part of this community and part of the Jaguars organization. I'm thrilled to join my teammates, Tony and Fred, and the Weavers in the Pride of the Jaguars."
Owner of nearly every Jaguars passing record, Brunell is one of 13 players in Jaguars history to play nine seasons or more. He started 117 of his 120 games played and completed 2,184 of 3,616 passes for 25,698 yards with 144 touchdowns and 86 interceptions -- all still ranking as Jaguars career records. Brunell's 4,367 passing yards in 1996 led the NFL, he was voted to the AFC Pro Bowl squad three times and was named the game's MVP in 1997.
Following his Jaguars career, Brunell went on to play for the Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets before closing out his 19-year NFL career. He is currently the head football coach at Episcopal School of Jacksonville and also serves as an analyst on Jaguars radio and preseason TV broadcasts.