Mark Frederick Bruener (born September 16, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies, earning All-American honors in 1993. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft with the 27th overall pick.
Bruener played nine seasons with the Steelers followed by five with the Houston Texans. He retired from playing following the 2008 season. He formerly served on the NFL Players Association Executive Committee. As of 2018, he serves as a scout for the Steelers.[1][2]
Bruener played at the University of Washington from 1991-1994 and proved himself as a reliable receiver and willing blocker in the running game.
Bruener was drafted in the first round with the 27th overall pick in the 1995 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.[3] He played with the Steelers for nine seasons before signing with the Houston Texans. Bruener was primarily a blocking tight end rather than a pass-catcher, and finished his NFL career with 152 catches.
Bruener and his wife Traci live in Washington with their two daughters, Allie and Chloe, and three sons, Carson, Braydon, and Hudson.[4] Bruener is Catholic.[5] His son Carson plays college football for the Washington Huskies.[6][7]