The former longtime partner of Mark Rypien has filed a personal injury lawsuit in the Spokane County Circuit Court against the ex-Washington quarterback, according to the Spokesman-Review.
Danielle Wade alleges years of physical and emotional abuse from the former Super Bowl XXVI MVP. The couple were engaged in a relationship for 14 years. Wade says the abuse dates back to 2008 until the couple separated in 2020.
Recently, Rypien publicly talked about violence in his home, suicidal thoughts and more in the past that stemmed from him having head trauma after playing football – four seasons at Washington State University and 14 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the then-Washington Redskins, now Washington Commanders.
The lawsuit does acknowledge the diagnosis of Rypien having traumatic brain injury. However, Wade’s attorney, Mary Schultz stressed, “That does not give him a license to assault his wife.”
Rypien was arrested in 2019 on suspicion of domestic violence. But, the charges were later dropped.
Among the allegations in the lawsuit, Rypien hit Wade with a car in 2019, and ran over part of her leg. She also alleges Rypien backhanded her in the abdomen while he was driving that caused an injury to her esophagus.
“Mr. Rypien categorically and unequivocally condemns domestic violence,” Rypien’s attorney said in a statement release. “He had a relationship with Danielle Wade that ended recently. During this relationship, Mr. Rypien acknowledged and apologized for actions that were harmful to Ms. Wade for which he is truly sorry. He has full faith in the judicial system and hopes the parties can reach a just resolution so that they can move forward living their separate lives.”
Rypien was selected by Washington in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. After spending the first two seasons inactive, Rypien started six games in 1988. He would ultimately play six seasons, mostly as the starting QB for Washington. He helped lead Washington to a Super Bowl XXVI title after going 14-2 during the 1991 season.
Rypien was named to two Pro Bowls. He later played with the Browns, Eagles and two stints with the Rams before stepping away from football after the 1997 season. He returned in 2001 with the Colts, but only threw nine passes that season.
