Best of the Packers: Top 10 defensive backs since 1960
By Phil Watson
Mark Murphy, shown on a 1991 Pro Set football card.
6. Mark Murphy (1980-91)
It’s safe to say that West Liberty State University in West Virginia will never be confused with Alabama or USC when it comes to turning out professional football players.
The last player from West Liberty to go to the NFL was safety Mark Murphy, who signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1980 and wound up as a fixture at strong safety for most of the next 12 years.
Murphy became the starter at free safety in 1983 and moved to the strong safety spot the following year.
He bounced back from a broken ankle that cost him the entire 1986 season and posted a career-best five interceptions in 1988.
Never a Pro Bowler, Murphy was still a solid contributor who retired after the 1991 season with 20 interceptions and 11 sacks over the course of his 11-year career.
He is also not to be confused with former Washington Redskins safety Mark Murphy, who is now the CEO of the Packers.
Murphy was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1998.
Next: A Decade At Left Corner