NFL player, Emmy Award winner, outreach program founder, and a Master Griller. Quite the resume’. Mark McMillian had just begun making his impact on the world when he started his Pro career in the city of Brotherly love.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Mark in the 10th RD with the 272nd pick in the 1992 NFL Draft. He played his collegiate ball at the University of Alabama after transferring from Glendale Junior College. Affectionately called “Mighty Mouse” by his teammates, due to his 5 foot 7 stature and strong willed determination, he quickly became another underdog (in a city with a lot of them) that the fans rooted for. (Mark is listed as one of the ten shortest players to ever play in the NFL. He is the only one of the ten to play cornerback. Quite an achievement.)
Mark found himself on the field in all 16 games during his rookie season of 1992 (starting 3) and he recorded his first career INT. Mark also started both playoffs games in the 92 season against the Saints and Cowboys, respectively. He was gaining valuable experience as well as leaving quite an impression on his teammates and coaches.
Eagles HC Rich Kotite to Terry Larmier of The Morning call in 1992
“I can see him playing more and more because he’s contributing.”
Continuing to contribute he did. By week 13, against a highly favored SF 49ers team, the rookie had become a part of the nickel coverage. Mark never lacking confidence, didn’t shy away from the question when asked about playing against the 49ers and potentially going up against Jerry Rice, Mark had this to say to Terry at The Morning call
“I’m just going to have to step my game up a little higher, Actually, I’m pretty much excited by the fact that I’m getting to play (against) Jerry Rice. Not many guys get a chance to stick Jerry Rice,”
And by stick, he meant cover. Sticking with him.
By the 1993 season Mark was “sticking” as a regular in the starting lineup at LCB. He started 12 of the 16 games at left corner that season and never gave up that job until he left via free agency. Mark also never missed a game during his time in Philadelphia.
He finished his time in Eagle green by recording 2 interceptions in his final 2 post season starts with the Birds. (one in each of the 2 playoff games) including the wild and memorable playoff win against the Detroit Lions.
Mark’s impactful 4 year tenure (1992-95) as a Philadelphia Eagle earned him a spot on the Eagles top 12 corners of the past 40 years (shameless plug):
https://phillycovercorner.com/2021/06/the-eagles-top-12-corners-since-1980/
Mark responding to the article stated
“Appreciate that. Not bad for a 10th Rd guy up against a bunch of 1st and 2nd rounders”
Not bad at all Sir!
Mark would play 4 mores seasons in the NFL. In 1997 while playing for the Chiefs, he led the NFL in interception return yards and was tied for 2nd most interceptions in the league with 8. He also ran 3 of those back for a touchdown. He accomplished all of that while only starting 10 of the 16 games that season. Mark would finish his NFL career following the 1999 season, after playing for both the San Francisco 49ers and the now Washington Football Team.
Speaking with Jim Gehman back in 2020, Mark stated what he was most proud of from his career
“I would say just having respect from the guys. From the teams. From my opponents,” he says. “We play this game and everybody can’t make it into the Hall of Fame, and everybody’s not going to win a Super Bowl, but when you can get a guy like a Reggie White or an Eric Allen or playing against a Cris Carter or Art Monk, guys that are in the Hall of Fame, give you props after a game, you can’t put a price tag on that.”
Mark, who currently has a couple business ventures, always had an entrepreneurial spirit. During his time in Philadelphia he was one of the founders of “Little Big Men” with fellow Eagles teammate Jeff Sydner. Mark told me that the segment, Little Big Men, showcased the highlights from players under 6 feet. In October of 1995, McMillian, who was a broadcast journalism major at Alabama, won an Emmy Award for his segment which aired on teammate Randall Cunningham’s weekly pregame show.
His positive attitude, determination and perseverance have always been a hallmark of his character, and he’s still out there continuing to prove that he can do anything he puts his mind to.
Today Mark can be found utilizing that same savvy business sense, promoting his newer endeavors. The first came about from his love of grilling. Mark explained to me “I started Grilling McMillian in 2010. I wanted to bring together friends, teammates, and families through grilling.” With his mission of inspiring palates around the world. To bring togetherness and unity through a unique cooking experience. To create value and make a difference.
You can visit his website for Grill’n McMillian at the link below.
https://www.grillnwithmcmillian.com
Mark also described to me his newest venture that he is very proud of, LIFT “I launched my LIFT program for high school kids that are being bullied. I want to launch the program in cities across the country to help bring more awareness, and give these young men a platform where they can feel comfortable, as well as (myself) doing camps and retreats with these young men.” The Lift Program was created through The Griffin Gives Foundation, a 501c3 not for profit foundation which is committed to supporting the health and wellness of children. You can find more information regarding this wonderful program at:
https://ourliftprogram.org
Get to know Mark following him via social media. He is very active on his twitter handle.
