Marcellus Wiley Unfiltered: Growing Up in Compton, Making Millions in the NFL & A Near Death Experience

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Marcellus Wiley - a former star Defensive End in the NFL, father, CEO, and sports media personality. Marcellus shares his journey from growing up in South Central LA and how it shaped his perspective on life to the decision to attend Columbia University and ultimately his experience playing professional football in the NFL. Marcellus's journey is one of success and failure, pain and joy, and family. My hope is you learn as much from listening to Marcellus as I did from interviewing him. 

Please Enjoy!

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Defensive End, Sports Broadcaster, Father, CEO - Marcellus Wiley

(00:35) Impact of Fatherhood

(01:48) Growing Up in South Central LA & A Run In With the Crips

(04:12) The Importance of Perseverance

(07:24) Influence of Marcellus' Grandmother

(10:57) Taking Football Seriously

(13:30)The Significance of Playing Against #27

(16:54) Why Marcellus Chose Columbia

(20:13) Noise Complaints at Columbia

(23:49) What Columbia Taught Marcellus

(27:21) The Beauty Pagent at the NFL Draft Combine

(30:39) Initial Reaction After Getting Drafted 

(33:53) Thoughts on Buffalo as a City

(38:46) First "Oh Sh*T" Moment in the NFL

(41:10) Learning Pass Rush Techniques From the Vets

(42:46) Stealing Bruce Smith's Shoes

(45:51) Free Agency and Signing with the Chargers

(51:22) The Impact of Junior Seau

(53:46) Health Effects of Football

(56:57) How Max Kellerman Saved Marcellus's Wife

(59:36) The Four Corners of a Football Career

(01:02:08) Life Advice

Connect with Marcellus Wiley:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcelluswiley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelluswiley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcelluswileydatdude

Project Transition: https://projecttransition.org/

Buy "Never Shut Up": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572553/never-shut-up-by-marcellus-wiley/

Connect with Nik:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic