Football is about speed and power, and in today’s offense-first NFL, speed takes priority. Possibly the fastest player on display in this weekend’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is 5-foot-9 Marquise Goodwin, who was also an Olympic track star who participated in the 2012 London Olympics representing the US in the long jump. He boasts of a 4.2 40-yard dash time, something that will turn heads on the field and in next month’s NFL Combine.
Goodwin played in 49 games in his college career at University of Texas, starting at wide receiver while also handling kick off and punt return duties. His honors include: a three time first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection (2010-12), a four-time member of University of Texas’ Athletics Director’s Honor Roll, and he earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic honors in 2010 and 2011.
Even in high school (Garland Texas), Goodwin lit up the football field and track at Rowlett H.S., setting several records. It only makes sense that Jesse Owens has been his Hero, and his favorite book is “Uncommon” by Tony Dungy. His “well kept” secret is he likes to draw.
ProPlayerInsiders (PPI): What are some things you you’ll take away from the NFLPA Bowl experience?
Marquise Goodwin (MG): I enjoyed the experience of being around the scouts and having the chance to get pointers and knowledge from them.
PPI: Has it been a hard transition for you from college to the league?
MG: Kind of. I’m mostly excited to be able to hook my family up (and provide for them). It will be fun to live in different areas of the country. I’ve always been in Texas.
PPI: Are you focusing more on track or football?
MG: I’m focusing on football for sure right now. I’m going to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama next weekend. If it doesn’t pan out then at least I have a plan b with track and a plan c with finishing my degree. I only have a semester left for my kinesiology degree.
PPI: What differentiates you from the other NFL prospects?
MG: I’m probably the fastest person. I have a 4.2 40-yard dash time. I’m really underrated, block well, and have natural hands.
PPI: What’s the scouting process been like so far?
MG: The food is really good. The first day is kind of awkward since you don’t really know what you’re working with. But it’ll be better by tomorrow. Everyone will be more comfortable .
PPI: Do you know any players on either team? Played against them?
MG: I know D.J. Monroe and played against all the Big 12 guys from A&M, OSU, KU. I’m excited to play against everyone.
PPI: What has been your favorite college football memory?
MG: I would definitely say going to the National Championship in 2009.
PPI: Who is your role model?
MG: I have so many. There are so many people looking out for me. It takes a village to raise a child.
PPI: Has being a part of this changed the way you watch football?
MG: I’m going in the same as always. I’m working hard and staying focused, being ready for whatever and whenever.
PPI: Has there been anyone in your life that’s helped mentor you in your football career?
MG: I would say Michael Huff [Safety/Corner for the Oakland Raiders] and [Seahawks Safety] Earl Thomas who was also my fraternity brother at Kappa Alpha Psi.
