Ep 236 - Forget Luck — Mark Rypien Says This Is the Real Secret to Winning Big

If you were watching NFL football in the early ’90s, you know the name Mark Rypien. He’s the Super Bowl MVP who led Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXVI. The first Canadian-born quarterback to start in the NFL. A big-game player with a big arm. 

But what most people don’t know is the powerful story that came after the confetti. 

In this special episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Mark Rypien to talk about the journey beyond the game — one that led him through darkness, loss, healing, and ultimately, purpose. 

And what did he write on his napkin? 

"Success = Preparation + Opportunity." 

It might sound like a classic quote, something you’d see on a locker room wall. But when Mark Rypien writes it, it carries weight — not just from the wins he celebrated, but from the battles he’s fought, many of them far from the spotlight. 

A Life in Two Halves 

Mark’s football career is the kind most kids dream about: drafted by the NFL, crowned a Super Bowl champion, and remembered as a clutch performer under pressure. His preparation — from hours of film study to relentless repetition — laid the foundation for those big moments. 

“I didn’t just show up and win,” Mark told me. “I put in the work. Every day. Whether anyone saw it or not.” 

But behind the scenes, Mark was also dealing with pain — physical and emotional. After his playing days ended, he faced an even bigger challenge: confronting the mental health struggles that had haunted him, including depression and thoughts of suicide. 

He shared stories in our conversation that were raw, real, and deeply courageous. Stories about what happens when the stadium is empty, the applause fades, and you’re left with the silence of your own mind. 

A New Kind of Preparation 

“People think we’re invincible,” he said. “But sometimes the strongest people are the ones who are barely holding on.” 

Mark’s message is clear: success isn’t just about training your body, it’s about preparing your heart and mind. That includes doing the internal work — therapy, reflection, asking for help, admitting when things aren’t okay. That kind of preparation takes strength. It takes humility. And it takes time. 

His work with the Rypien Foundation is a testament to that. Created in memory of his son Andrew — who died by suicide after a battle with mental illness — the foundation now supports children with cancer and their families in the Inland Northwest. It’s Mark’s way of turning pain into purpose. 

“We’ve all got something we’re carrying,” Mark said. “I just want people to know they’re not alone.” 

Being Ready When Opportunity Knocks 

What I love about Mark’s napkin is how it calls out both parts of the equation. Yes, we need opportunity. But that’s not enough. “You can’t just sit around waiting,” he said. “You’ve got to be ready. You’ve got to prepare like it matters.” 

And sometimes, opportunity looks like a moment to serve. To listen. To show up for someone who’s hurting. Mark is doing that every day now — using his platform, his pain, and his story to lift others. 

This episode isn’t just about football. It’s about life. About leadership. About legacy. Mark Rypien is showing us what it means to evolve, to heal, and to lead with truth. 

5 Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Mark Rypien 

1. Success Isn’t a Fluke — It’s Earned 

“It’s never just luck. You have to be prepared — mentally, emotionally, and physically — to meet the moment.” 

Take Action: Reflect on an opportunity you missed. Were you really prepared? What would you do differently next time? 

2. Mental Fitness Is Just as Important as Physical Fitness 

“The scars you can’t see are sometimes the deepest.” 

Take Action: Schedule time this week to care for your mental health — talk to someone, journal, or practice mindfulness. 

3. Vulnerability Is a Leadership Strength 

“People connect with your pain more than your perfection.” 

Take Action: Share a personal story with your team or network that shows your human side — it might inspire someone who needs it. 

4. Real Opportunity Is Born from Service 

“What we’ve gone through gives us the power to lift others.” 

Take Action: Support a cause that aligns with your own lived experiences. Start with the Rypien Foundation. 

5. Every Champion Faces Darkness 

“Winning on the field didn’t stop the battles off it. But I didn’t stop fighting.” 

Take Action: Identify a battle you’re still fighting. What small step can you take today to begin healing? 

Mark Rypien’s Paper Napkin Wisdom is more than a formula — it’s a legacy. A reminder that we are more than our wins and losses. That preparation and courage make the difference. And that when we use our story to serve others, we create the kind of opportunity that lasts far beyond the field. 

What’s the opportunity you’re preparing for? 

👉 Write it on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s keep this conversation going — because your wisdom could change someone else’s game. 

Learn more about Mark & Donate to the Community Cancer Fund in Spokane: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Rypien 

https://communitycancerfund.org/