Mark Schlereth enjoyed a 12-year NFL career after the then-Washington Redskins selected him in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL draft out of the University of Idaho. Yes, that was when the NFL draft had 12 rounds.
Schlereth may be best known for his time in the media with ESPN, where he spent 13 years as an analyst for NFL Live and Sportscenter. Now, Schlereth calls games FOX Sports, but he also had a distinguished playing career that saw him play in 156 games, including 140 starts. Schlereth spent six years in Washington and six seasons in Denver. In total, he was a part of three Super Bowl championship teams.
Schlereth was back in town recently as the Washington Commanders held an event for the team’s alumni and the 2022 rookie class. The event saw the alumni have dinner with the rookies, telling stories and offering advice to the younger generation.
The longtime NFL offensive lineman also sat down with his former quarterback, Doug Williams, currently the senior advisor to team president Jason Wright, for a chat on Washington’s official website.
Schlereth recalled his first NFL start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 12, 1989. The rookie told Williams he was “scared to death,” as that Eagles’ team featured Reggie White, Jerome Brown and Clyde Simmons, one of the best defensive lines over the last 35 years.
As Schlereth sat on the bus, Williams arrived, walked toward Schlereth and stopped, offering advice to the rookie guard.
“Listen, the only difference between you and those guys over there is those guys had an opportunity to make a name for themselves, and today is your opportunity,” Williams told Schlereth. “I have nothing but the utmost faith in you.”
Schlereth said he dominated during that game, earning a game ball as Washington picked up a 10-3 win over the Eagles. Running back Jamie Morris rushed for 88 yards on 38 carries. Williams completed 14 of 24 passes for 161 yards. Earnest Byner scored the game’s only touchdown.
Schlereth…
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