Mark May Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Wife, Career & ESPN Journey

Mark May is a former American professional football player and sports television analyst who built a strong reputation both on and off the field. He first gained national attention as a dominant offensive lineman in college football and later became a key part of the Washington Redskins’ famous offensive line unit. His role in winning multiple Super Bowls made him one of the most respected linemen of his era.

After retiring from professional football, Mark May successfully transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar face on major sports networks. His bold opinions, deep knowledge of the game, and confident speaking style helped him stay relevant for years in sports media. Today, he is recognized as both a football legend and a strong voice in college football analysis.

Who Is Mark May?

Mark May is a former NFL offensive guard and sports analyst known for his powerful playing style and outspoken media presence.

He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee, and a long-time college football analyst on ESPN.

He is widely known for:

• Being part of the legendary “Hogs” offensive line
• Winning major college and professional awards
• His strong and sometimes controversial opinions on TV

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Quick Info Table – Mark May

Personal Details About Mark May

Full Name / Real Name

Mark Eric May

Nickname

“Mayday”

Date of Birth

November 2, 1959

Place of Birth

Oneonta, New York, USA

Age (as of 2026)

66 years old

Zodiac Sign of Mark May

Scorpio

Physical Appearance of Mark May

Height

6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)

Weight

Approximately 280–288 lbs (127–131 kg)

Body Measurements

He had a large and powerful build, typical of an elite offensive lineman.

Eye Color

Light Brown

Hair Color

Dark brown (now gray/white)

Fitness / Body Type

Strong, muscular, and athletic build, especially during his playing career

Early Life & Childhood

Mark May was born and raised in Oneonta, New York, where he grew up in a sports-focused environment. From a young age, he showed a natural interest in athletics, especially football. His early years were shaped by discipline, teamwork, and a competitive mindset.

During his childhood, he participated in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track. His physical strength and size made him stand out early, and coaches quickly recognized his potential. These early experiences helped him develop the toughness that later defined his football career.

Education of Mark May

Schooling

Oneonta High School, New York

College / University

University of Pittsburgh

Degrees or Certifications

He completed his college education at the University of Pittsburgh, though his major is not widely known.

Education-related Achievements

Mark May became one of the most decorated college linemen by:

• Winning the Outland Trophy (1980)
• Earning Unanimous All-American honors
• Helping his team achieve a strong winning record

Family Background of Mark May

Father’s Name & Profession

Mark’s  widely publicized, but known to be supportive of his athletic journey

Mother’s Name & Profession

Also Jamie publicly detailed, but played a role in his upbringing

Siblings

Mark May is believed to be one of multiple siblings, growing up in a supportive household

Family Influence

His family encouraged hard work, discipline, and dedication, which helped shape his successful career

Relationship & Personal Life

Marital Status of Mark May

Married

Spouse of Mark May

Kathy May

Dating History

He has kept his personal relationships mostly private

Children

He has two daughters named Abra and Bryce

Mark May prefers to keep his personal life away from the spotlight, focusing more on his professional work and family privacy.

Nationality, Religion & Ethnicity

Nationality of Mark May

American

Religion / Beliefs

Christian

Ethnicity of Mark May

Caucasian (European-American background)

Career Journey of Mark May

Mark May’s football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he quickly became one of the top offensive linemen in the country. His performance in college earned him national recognition and major awards, including the Outland Trophy.

In 1981, he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He became a key member of the team’s offensive line, known as the “Hogs,” which played a major role in the team’s success.

During his NFL career, he played for over a decade, also representing the San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals. He won two Super Bowls and earned a Pro Bowl selection, proving his value as a top-level player.

After retiring in 1993, he moved into broadcasting. He joined ESPN in 2001, where he became a popular college football analyst. His media career lasted over a decade, making him a recognizable voice in sports television.

Professional Style & Public Image

Mark May is known for his bold, confident, and sometimes controversial personality. He speaks his mind without hesitation, which has made him both respected and criticized.

His analysis style focuses on fundamentals, discipline, and physical play, reflecting his background as a lineman. Many fans appreciate his honesty, while others find his opinions too strong.

Overall, his public image is that of an old-school football expert who values hard work and accountability above all.

Reason for Fame

Mark May became famous for his dominant football career, especially as part of a Super Bowl-winning team. His role in one of the NFL’s most famous offensive lines helped build his reputation.

Mark second wave of fame came from his television career, where his outspoken analysis kept him in the public eye. His strong opinions often sparked debates, making him a memorable sports personality.

Major Works / Notable Contributions

Mark May’s major contributions include:

• Playing for top NFL teams during his career
• Winning Super Bowl XVII and XXII
• Being part of the Washington Redskins’ historic offensive line
• Serving as a long-time analyst on college football shows

He also contributed to football media through commentary, analysis, and public speaking engagements.

Books / Publications

Mark May has contributed to books related to football, including:

• “Mark May’s Tales from the Washington Redskins”

He has also been involved in writing projects related to his playing career and experiences, though he is not widely known as a full-time author.

Achievements & Awards

Mark May has earned several major honors:

• Outland Trophy Winner (1980)
• Unanimous All-American
• 2× Super Bowl Champion
• Pro Bowl Selection (1988)
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2005)
• Named among the greatest Washington Redskins players

Controversies of Mark May

Mark May has faced criticism mainly due to his strong opinions on television. Some viewers and fans have disagreed with his comments about teams and players.

He also had legal issues earlier in life, including arrests during his college and NFL years. However, these incidents did not permanently damage his career, and he continued to succeed professionally.

Challenges & Struggles of Mark May

Like many athletes, Mark May faced injuries during his career, including a knee injury that caused him to miss an entire season. This was a major setback during his playing days.

Transitioning from football to media was another challenge. However, he adapted well and built a successful second career. His departure from ESPN in 2017 was another difficult moment, but he continued working in broadcasting afterward.

Earnings & Income Sources

Mark May’s income comes from:

• NFL salary during his playing career
• Television analyst roles
• Public speaking engagements

He has built a stable financial career through sports and media.

Business Ventures & Investments

There are no widely known business ventures linked to Mark May. His career has mainly focused on football and broadcasting rather than entrepreneurship.

Net Worth of Mark May

Mark May’s estimated net worth is around $5 million to $10 million.

His wealth comes from his long NFL career and years in sports media. He maintains a comfortable and stable lifestyle.

Lifestyle & Assets

Mark May lives a relatively private and modest lifestyle compared to many celebrities.

He owns property in the United States but does not publicly display luxury assets. His lifestyle reflects stability and professionalism rather than extravagance.

Hobbies & Interests

• Watching and analyzing football games
• Public speaking and mentoring athletes
• Spending time with family
• Traveling for sports events
• Engaging in community activities

Social Media Presence of Mark May

Mark May is active mainly on:

• Twitter (X) – shares football opinions and updates
• Limited presence on other platforms

He focuses more on traditional media than social media influence.

Philanthropy & Social Work

Mark May has been involved in community events and sports-related programs, especially connected to his college and professional teams.

He supports youth football and educational initiatives, though he does not run a major public charity organization.

Media Appearances & Interviews

He has appeared on several sports programs, including:

• College football shows on ESPN
• NFL-related analysis programs
• Guest appearances on sports talk shows

His media presence helped him stay relevant even after retiring from football.

Quotes & Philosophy

Mark May believes in:

• Hard work over natural talent
• Discipline and teamwork
• Speaking honestly, even when unpopular

His philosophy reflects his background as a tough and disciplined athlete.

Interesting Facts About Mark May

• He never allowed a sack during his final college seasons
• His jersey number (73) was retired by his university
• He played alongside future NFL legends in college
• He worked selling cars during off-seasons early in his career
• He co-authored a unique cookbook related to his team

Future Plans & Goals

Mark May continues to stay involved in football through broadcasting and speaking engagements.

He aims to remain a respected voice in college football and contribute to the sport through analysis and mentoring.

Legacy & Impact

Mark May’s legacy lies in both his football achievements and media career. He helped shape one of the most successful offensive lines in NFL history.

As a broadcaster, he influenced how fans understand and discuss football. His strong personality made him a memorable figure in sports media.

Timeline Overview

• 1959 – Born in New York
• 1977–1980 – College football career
• 1981 – Drafted into NFL
• 1980s–1990s – NFL career
• 1993 – Retirement
• 2001–2017 – ESPN career
• Present – Analyst and speaker

Conclusion

Mark May is a powerful example of success both on and off the field. From a young athlete in New York to a Super Bowl champion, his journey reflects hard work, dedication, and resilience. His ability to adapt after football shows his strong mindset and determination.

His career in media further proves his versatility and deep understanding of the game. He remained relevant by sharing honest opinions and staying true to his personality, even when facing criticism.

Today, Mark May is remembered as both a football legend and a respected analyst. His story continues to inspire athletes and fans who value discipline, courage, and authenticity.

FAQs About Mark May