University of the Pacific

Mark Nordquist was a two-year starter for the Tigers, joining the program under new head coach and former Tiger quarterback Doug Scovill. He made an impact on an offense that sent several players onto the NFL, including tight end Bruce Coslett, quarterback Bob Lee, running back Jack Layland and linemate Bob Heintz. 
 
In his two years, Nordquist was part of a line that effectively allowed Layland to run for more than 1,700 yards and Lee to throw for more than 2,300 yards. Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, Nordquist played on both sides of the ball until found his home on the offensive line his senior year.
 
The Tigers won eight games over those two seasons, starting the rebuilding process that led to 13 wins in the following two years.
 
Nordquist was selected in the fifth round of the 1968 draft by Philadelphia. He played seven seasons for the Eagles, appearing in 96 of a possible 98 games. He then finished his career with the Bears, opening holes for NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, in 1975 and 1976 before he retired. 
 
His football passion has led to careers as an entrepreneur as the founder of Don Joy, the largest knee bracing company in the United States, a real estate developer and a sculptor since his retirement from the NFL.