Is Brett Rypien related to Mark Rypien? Exploring Bears QB's family

Brett Rypien put on a show in the 2024 NFL Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans. The Chicago Bears quarterback completed 11 of 15 passes, throwing for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

Rypien's sensational quarterbacking went viral on social media and fans began to wonder if he is related to the first Canadian-born quarterback to both start in the NFL and be named Super Bowl MVP, Mark Rypien.

So, is Brett Rypien related to Mark Rypien? Yes, he is. Brett is Mark's nephew (son of Mark Rypien's brother, Tim Rypien).

Mark Rypien was a big deal back in the day, as he was one of the first Canadian exports to make a name for himself in the NFL. He did so by earning two Pro Bowl selections, winning two Super Bowls, a second-team All-Pro selection, and a Super Bowl MVP award. These days, the Washington Commanders legend can be seen playing golf or spending time with his loved ones.

Brett Rypien has been a journey man in the NFL after going undrafted in 2019. Since then he's played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and the Chicago Bears.

Rypien made his first start as an NFL quarterback as a Denver Broncos quarterback against the New York Jets. The opportunity arose due to hamstring issues that then starting quarterback Russell Wilson struggled with.

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Brett Rypien's Career Timeline

Denver Broncos v Buffalo Bills

Rypien was the star quarterback for Boise State University from 2015 to 2018. Rypien set numerous records and won many awards in his four seasons at the MWC powerhouse. Such honors include the MWC Offensive Player of the Year, three First-team All-MWC honors, and the 2015 MWC Freshman of the Year Award.

Analysts expected him to be selected at the tail end of the 2019 NFL Draft, but that wasn't to be. He was instead picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos, for whom he played for four years, until 2022.

Rypien's time in the NFL has not been as productive compared to his high school and college careers. His time in the NFL has not exactly been newsworthy. But after an impressive outing at the Hall of Fame game, he now has the chance to be a solid backup quarterback option for the Chicago Bears, with their starter being Caleb Williams.