NFF National Scholar-Athletes
A co-captain of the 1988 Pittsburgh football team, offensive guard Mark Stepnoski was named a consensus First Team All-American and was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game. A two-time Academic All-American, he compiled a 3.36 GPA in communications and was a member of the Dean’s List, the Honors College and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll all four years. A finalist for the Outland Trophy, Stepnoski received the John B. “Jock” Sutherland Award as the team’s most outstanding blocker. He was named to the Pennsylvania All-Century Team by the Pennsylvania Football News.
Stepnoski was selected in the third round (57th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and started the last four games of his rookie season at center. A five-time Pro Bowler from 1992-96, he teamed up with Erik Williams, Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton and Kevin Gogan to pave the way for Emmitt Smith to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Stepnoski won two Super Bowls with the Cowboys in 1993 and 1994. Following the 1994 season, he received the Ed Block Courage Award, given to role models of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage. Stepnoski played four seasons with the Houston/Tennessee Oilers before returning to Dallas for his final three seasons. He was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. After retiring from the NFL, Stepnoski moved to Vancouver.
