Who Is Mark Eaton? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mark Eaton, born on January 24, 1957, in the small town of Diamond Bar, California, was an esteemed American basketball player known for his incredible defensive skills and towering presence on the court. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches tall, Eaton played the center position and spent his entire 11-season career with the Utah Jazz in the NBA. Despite passing away in 2021, his impact on the game lives on as one of the most revered shot-blockers in NBA history.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1957 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Inglewood, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 May, 2021 |
| Died Place | Park City, Utah, U.S. |
Popularity
Mark Eaton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mark Eaton’s notable height of 7'4" made him a formidable player in the NBA. At his peak playing weight, he was approximately 275 pounds. His long arms and incredible wingspan contributed to his exceptional defensive abilities, allowing him to earn two NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards during his illustrious career.
Because of his lack of playing time at UCLA, few NBA teams had an interest in Eaton after he finished his college career. He paid for two tryout camps, but only received an offer of $15,000 to play in Israel and another for $25,000 in Monte Carlo.
However, the Utah Jazz, who finished in last place the prior season, saw him as a potentially dominant defender and selected him as a long-term project in the fourth round of the 1982 NBA draft with the 72nd overall pick.
Utah coach Frank Layden quipped, "Like [former University of Utah coach] Jack Gardner said, 'You can't teach height.'" Also the team's general manager, Layden discouraged Eaton from playing in Europe and signed him to a five-year contract, with the first season guaranteed at $45,000, for a total $570,000.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Mark Eaton was known primarily for his basketball career, details about his family life are equally intriguing. He was married to his wife, accompanied by children whose names remain private, emphasizing the family-oriented nature of Eaton’s personal life. Following his passing, Eaton's family has continued to honor his legacy. As it stands in 2025, there are no reports of a girlfriend or any public relationship status updates since his death.
His father, Bud, was a diesel mechanic instructor and stood 6 ft tall, while Eaton's mother, Delores, was 6 ft. Despite his height, Eaton was more interested in playing water polo than basketball.
As a senior at Westminster High School in Orange County, he stood 6 ft and weighed 175 lb but was uncoordinated, not very muscular, and relegated to a backup role on the basketball team. "The coaches didn't know how to teach me to play big, and I didn't know how to play big," said Eaton.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2021, Mark Eaton had an estimated net worth of around $8 million. Throughout his career, he earned substantial sums from his basketball contracts, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures. Although specific salary details from his NBA contracts are not publicly documented for all years, it is clear that his successful professional career significantly contributed to his overall wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Mark Eaton's professional basketball journey began when he was selected by the Utah Jazz as the 1st overall pick in 1982. His career was distinguished by his defensive prowess, leading to two NBA Defensive Player Awards and an All-Star selection in 1985. After retiring from basketball in 1993, Eaton turned to motivational speaking and coaching, sharing his experiences with young athletes.
Furthermore, Eaton ventured into various businesses, focusing on fitness and wellness, which bridged his passion for basketball and his commitment to health. In his later years, he became involved in community services and youth programs, ensuring his legacy lived on through the empowerment of young athletes.
Mark Edward Eaton (January 24, 1957 – May 28, 2021) was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire career (1982–1993) with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Named an NBA All-Star in 1989, he was twice voted the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1989) and was a five-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team. The 7 ft Eaton became one of the best defensive centers in NBA history.
He led the league in blocks four times and holds the NBA single-season records for blocks (456) and blocked shots per game average (5.6), as well as career blocked shots per game (3.5). His No. 53 was retired by the Jazz.
Social Network
Although Mark Eaton passed away in 2021, he maintained a notable presence on social media during his lifetime. His followers, primarily comprised of basketball fans and aspiring athletes, often echoed fond memories and tributes posthumously. In addition to social media platforms, fans and sports enthusiasts frequently discuss his contributions and legacy through various basketball forums, highlighting his unforgettable role in the sport.
Eaton transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1980, but did not see much action in his two seasons with the Bruins. He played sparingly under head coach Larry Brown in 1980–81. The tallest players in the starting lineup were Darren Daye and Cliff Pruitt at 6 ft, but Eaton was too slow for the team's fast-paced offense.
In Eaton's senior year in 1981–82, new coach Larry Farmer vowed to give him a shot to start, but heralded freshman Stuart Gray got the nod instead. Eaton played just 41 total minutes that season, averaging 1.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 11 games.
Farmer did not play him at all towards the end of the season and did not allow him to travel with the team on their last road trip to Oregon and Oregon State. "If I ever felt cheated, that was the time I felt the worst," recalled Eaton in 1985. "I had worked so hard and it wasn't like I was causing any problems."
Education
Mark Eaton attended UCLA, where he played college basketball and further showcased his talents before entering the professional league. The education he received at UCLA not only informed his approach to the game but also impacted his perspectives on leadership and success, inspiring many young athletes who looked up to him.
After his freshman year at Cypress, Eaton was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the fifth round of the 1979 NBA draft with the 107th pick. He was eligible to be drafted because he was already four years removed from high school. However, he opted to return to college basketball.
Eaton developed into a solid junior college player under head coach Don Johnson. He averaged 14.3 points per game in two seasons at Cypress and led the school to the California junior college title as a sophomore in 1980.
