Jeff Tupper grew up in Joplin, Missouri, where his family, coaches, and teachers played a significant role in his life.
Tupper played and lettered in four sports at Parkwood High School. He was three-year varsity letterman in football, two-year varsity letterman in track and wrestling, and a one-year varsity letterman in basketball.
Tupper received numerous awards during his playing career at Parkwood. He was selected twice to the Ozark Conference and Missouri All-State teams. He earned the Most Valuable Player award at the 1981 Missouri Lions East — West All Star Game. Also during that year he was acknowledged as the Top Defensive Lineman in Missouri for college recruits.
As a defensive starting lineman for the Bears, Tupper starred in one of the most dominating defenses in high school history as the “Double O Defense” allowed only three teams to score during a fourteen game stretch. The pinnacle was reached in 1980 when the Parkwood Bears culminated an undefeated season as the 1980 4A Missouri High School State Champions.
In addition, Tupper was a Conference Champion in the shot and discus. He held the record toss in the shot with a 60’ 10.5” toss in 1981.
At the University of Oklahoma Tupper was a three year letterman and a two year starter in football. During his stint, OU won the Big Eight Conference Championship in 1984 and 1985, and the team was crowned the National Champion in 1985. He was chosen Big Eight Player of the Week in 1985 when the Sooners played the Colorado Buffalos in Boulder, Colorado. His most memorable game was winning and playing in the National Championship game vs. Penn State at the 1986 Orange Bowl.
After a successful college career Tupper was selected as a 5th Round Draft Choice in 1986 (116th overall) to the St. Louis Cardinals. He later played with the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
During his professional career Tupper had a remarkable two days in 1987. While playing for the Denver Bronco’s he became a proud father to his first son Jacob, on a Sunday. The following day the Bronco’s played the Oakland Raider on ABCs Monday night nationally televised game. In the game he had two sacks, several unassisted tackles, and was awarded the “game ball” for his extraordinary on the field efforts.
