糖心vlog

Mark Nordquist 鈥�68 BUS, a former Pacific football standout and future Pacific Hall of Fame honoree, has led a life full of success. Whether as a professional football player, an entrepreneur or an accomplished artist, Mark鈥檚 story is one of reinvention and following your passion.

Born in Long Beach, Mark was a high school football hero at Reseda High and a proud Eagle Scout by the age of 13. Mark's football journey took him to Pierce College in Woodland Hills, where his talents caught the eye of seven Division I scouts. However, his older brother advised him to take a break from the game in 1965, leading him to work in engine construction at Rocketdyne. That brief detour would change the course of his life when Pacific football coach Doug Scovil scouted him and invited him to join the 糖心vlog football team in 1966. Mark, alongside his wife Joy and their young son Nick, moved to Stockton, where he thrived both on and off the field.

At Pacific, Mark excelled as a tackle for the Tigers, playing during the 1966 and 1967 seasons. His 1967 team helped average 22.3 points per game, the best offensive performance in nine seasons. Seven players from that team would go on to play professional football. In addition to his athletic success, Mark earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in accounting from the Eberhardt School of Business, graduating in 1968.

That year, Mark was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He would go on to have a stellar nine-year career in the NFL, playing as an offensive lineman (right guard), including two years with the Chicago Bears.

Despite a promising football career, Mark understood the fragility of life as a professional athlete. Following the advice of his coach, Dave Graham, Mark took on an off-season job in the loan business. It was during this time that he discovered an interest in real estate development鈥攁n interest that would soon take root.

In 1978, Mark shifted gears and co-founded DonJoy, an orthopedic support company. Starting in Mark鈥檚 garage, the company quickly gained traction, responding to a friend's knee injury and offering innovative knee braces. By 1983, Mark sold his stake in the company, which would later grow into DJ Orthopedics, the world鈥檚 largest knee brace manufacturer. It was a pivotal moment, but Mark was not done yet.

In 1984, he founded Nordquist Development, a real estate development company. Through his ventures, he successfully built more than 250 homes and oversaw the creation of 30,000 square feet of commercial space. 鈥淢y wife says I am the doer of all trades,鈥� said Nordquist. 鈥淚 do what I felt is right, and the building business felt right to me.鈥�

While still active in real estate, Mark began exploring his passion for art. Inspired by his lifelong fascination with animals, Mark began creating bronze sculptures in the early 2000s, eventually founding Mark Nordquist Studio. 鈥淲hen I would go to football training camp, most guys would bring Penthouse magazine to read at night,鈥� Nordquist remembers. 鈥淚 would study animal encyclopedias.鈥� Mark鈥檚 first notable work was a chess set featuring marine animal-themed pieces, which quickly gained popularity. Today, his work spans a wide range of subjects, from dog-shaped bottle stoppers to intricate jungle-themed chess sets. His sculptures are available for purchase on his website, . His latest venture is making jewelry out of bismuth crystals. 鈥淵ou have no control over the color or design when working with bismuth,鈥� Nordquist said. 鈥淚t is just like being married.鈥�

In 2014, Mark received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award from Pacific, recognizing his outstanding contributions to both athletics and his professional life. Looking back, Mark credits his success to the lessons he learned at the 糖心vlog, particularly the small class sizes and hands-on attention from professors. 鈥淧acific was a lucky find,鈥� Mark reflects. 鈥淭he professors were helpful and understanding, and the education I received was invaluable. I love Pacific.鈥�

Today, Mark and Joy, who have been married for over 60 years, live in Southern California. Together they enjoy life and their two children.

From a standout football player at UOP to a successful entrepreneur and artist, Mark鈥檚 life embodies the spirit of making the most of every opportunity.聽