Mark's Expeditions

There are moments in time when we all go through tough times and not sure how to climb out.

This happen to me 10 years ago and decided that I was going to pull myself out by setting a massive goal that would give me renewed focus and energy.

The goal was to climb the Seven Summits and become the 1st NFL Player to do so.

In 2021, I summited Mt EVEREST completing my original goal but realized that setting goals & going after big mountains has kept me engaged in my drive and focus to chase new adventures.

Happy trails to all…..

Completed: 2024
The Eiger | Sept 2024.

The Eiger is a 13,015 foot mountain located in the Bernese Alps, overlooking Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, just north of the main watershed and border with Valais.  Mark will be taking on this intense peak in early September, 2024. 

Completed: 2023
The Matterhorn | 14,692
The Matterhorn is a mountain of the Alps, straddling the main watershed and border between Switzerland and Italy. It is a large, near-symmetric pyramidal peak in the extended Monte Rosa area of the Pennine Alps, whose summit is 14,692 feet making it one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe.
Completed: 2022
Mont Blanc | 15,771
Mont Blanc is a a towering mountain in the French Alps which measures 15,771 feet, making it the second highest mountain in Europe.
Completed: 2022
Grand Teton | 13,775 ft
Grand Teton, at 13,775 feet is the highest point of the Teton Range, and the second highest peak in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
 
Completed: 2021
Cotapoxi | 19,347 ft
Cotapoxi is an active volcano in the Andes Mountains, about 31 miles south of Quito their capitol in Ecuador.  It is the second highest summit in Ecuador, reaching a height of 19,347 feet.   Cotopaxi is among the highest active volcanoes in the world.
 
Completed: 2021
Mt Everest | 29,032 ft

Everest is the highest peak in Asia which stands at an astounding 29,032’(just grew 2 feet) Mt. Everest is over 60 million years old and was formed from the Indian tectonic plate pushing up and against the Asian plate. Lying on the border of China and Nepal, there are multiple routes to both summits.  Mark climbed on the south side which borders Nepal.  

Completed: 2019
Mt Vinson | Elevation: 16,066 ft

Mount Vinson Massif: The highest mountain on the continent of Antarctica is Mt Vinson Massif, peaking at 16,066 ft (4,897m). It’s no surprise this mountain is known as the coldest of the Seven Summits due to its location and harsh, dry environment.

Completed: 2018
Denali | Elevation: 20,320 ft

Also known as Mt. McKinley, Denali is the tallest mountain in North America, rising 20,320 ft (6,194m) above sea level. Some mountaineers believe Denali is more challenging than climbing Mt. Everest because it towers almost 18,000 ft about the surrounding tundra, giving it more vertical rise than Mt. Everest.

Completed: 2016
Aconcagua | Elevation: 22,841 ft

The highest mountain in South America is Aconcagua, standing tall at 22,841 ft (6,962m). Perched in the Andes Mountain Range between Chile and Argentina, this mountain tends to be underestimated for its difficulty and grueling ascent. Aconcagua is also the tallest mountain in the world outside of the Himalaya Mountain Range.

Completed: 2015
Mt. Kosciusko | Elevation: 7,310 ft

Mt. “Kozzie” is the tallest mountain in Australia, with an elevation of 7,310 ft (2,228m). Located in New South Wales, this is the easiest of the Seven Summits as it is a simple walk to the summit and back.

Completed: 2014
Mt. Elbrus | Elevation: 18,510 ft

The tallest mountain in Europe is Mt. Elbrus, at 18,510 ft (5,642m). Located in the Caucasus Mountains on the border of Georgia and Russia, this mountain is essentially climbed in one big push from basecamp.

Completed: 2013, 2017
Mt. Kilimanjaro | Elevation: 19,340 ft

The tallest mountain in Africa is Mt. Kilimanjaro, topping out at 19,340 ft (5,895m). Located in the country of Tanzania, this mountain is special because you travel through 5 different climatic zones beginning in the jungle and ending on a glacier atop an inactive volcano.

Completed: 1998
Mt. Rainier | Elevation: 14,411 ft

The tallest mountain in the state of Washington, Mt. Rainier, stands proudly at 14,411 ft (4,392 m). Located in the Pacific Northwest, this stratovolcano is renowned for its stunning glacial scenery and challenging climbs. Mt. Rainier's ascent takes you through diverse ecosystems, from lush, temperate rainforests at the base to alpine meadows and rocky, icy summits. Climbing this iconic peak marked the beginning of a climbing career in 1998, setting the stage for future high-altitude adventures.