Sports build lasting memories, bonds, and friendships that one can look back on and smile upon. Some of the greatest moments of an athlete’s life come from the ups and downs, victories and losses and the opportunity to make a name for yourself. This could not be more true for the Chapman family and just how deep Football runs through that last name. The dream of playing Division 1 Football was a goal that Mark, his brother Jarret and cousin Winslow all held close to their heart. As Jarrett and Winslow chose to go to Central Michigan, Mark only felt that it was right to follow in their footsteps making the next step to becoming a pro.
Central Michigan University is the school all three Chapman boys chose to call home. The friendly environment filled with the passion to thrive and succeed won over the three highly talented family members. Though they excelled in the classroom, on the field is where the Chapman boys stood out from the rest. Starting in a majority of the Chippewa’s games while they attended CMU, Mark, Jarrett, and Winslow brought a sense of family and comradery to the program.
At CMU with the graduation of Jarret and Winslow, Mark considered himself “the last of a dying breed”. That mentality he carried all through the 2017 season leading the team in receptions (65) and receiving yards (805). Along with the volume of yardage Chapman accumulated he added five touchdowns to his already impressive stat line which earned him an All-MAC honour.
Pro football was the end goal in mind for all the Chapman’s but until yesterday, only Jarret had made that a reality. Jarret was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as an undrafted free agent back in 2015. Jarret was a defensive back for the Tiger-Cats but saw limited time in the defensive secondary for the Tiger-Cats.
Following in his brother’s footsteps once again, Mark looks to open a new chapter of his life as he will step onto the CFL stage in Hamilton, Ontario. Chapman was taken first overall in the 2018 CFL draft with first overall expectations.
After being drafted, Chapman expressed his excitement about being able to play for an organization that held his brother “It’s a dream come true for my family and I.”
Hamilton is a city build on love, hard work, friendships and a collective passion to succeed, all traits possessed by the Chapman family. While Jarret was with the Ticats, Mark witnessed first hand the outstanding culture that lives within the confines Tim Hortons Field. Chapman now comes into training camp not just following his lifelong dream, but getting the chance to give the Chapman name, another shot at a CFL legacy.