Rypien Already Feels At Home In St. Louis

Mark Rypien has a new football home, but it won’t require a change of address.

The former Washington State Cougar agreed to a one-year contract with the St. Louis Rams on Friday. He probably will sign on Monday when he travels to St. Louis to take a physical exam and huddle with the coaching staff. Figures weren’t released.

Rypien played for St. Louis in 1995 before moving on to Philadelphia last season. The bonus: He still owns a home in St. Louis and it’s unoccupied.

“It’s just sitting there,” Rypien said.

The Rams’ situation is a good one for Rypien. Tony Banks was the starter last year and encountered the normal growing pains that face a rookie quarterback.

The job presumably is Banks’ to lose.

“If he gets the nod and gets it going, then so be it,” Rypien said. “If not, then I’m looking at a chance to play again.

“I’ve pretty much got one more chance to be at the upper echelon again. If not, St. Louis is a great place and our family loved the area.”

Rypien pointed out his children’s school is roughly the distance of a fly route from his front door.

The Rams have good young talent - receivers Eddie Kennison and Isaac Bruce, former Washington Husky tight end Ernie Conwell and running back Lawrence Phillips, who has been in the news lately for numerous run-ins with the law.

“Having been around for the mini-camp last year, they’ve got as much offensive talent at the skill positions than any team in the league,” Rypien said.

The coaching staff also is a plus. Two of new head coach Dick Vermeil’s assistants, Jim Hanifan and Jerry Rhome, previously coached Rypien.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo