CLINTON LINDSAY » BREAKING NEWS, GUEST RUNDOWNS » NICO MARLEY WANTS TO ADD FOOTBALL TO MARLEY’S REGGAE LEGACY!
NICO MARLEY WANTS TO ADD FOOTBALL TO MARLEY’S REGGAE LEGACY!
Oftentimes, the offspring of celebrated icons are eager to distance themselves from their famous relatives and forge their own path. Nico Marley has the opportunity to make his own name for himself, should the undersized linebacker stick with the Redskins.
But Bob Marley’s grandson embraces his family history. If he can make it in the NFL, he hopes it draws attention to his grandfather’s role in making reggae a global phenomenon.
“It’s a blessing, it’s a blessing,” Marley said. “Because, you know, how he helped so many people in this world. You know, the least I can do is just represent his name in a positive light and give back the positive vibrations.”
There are industries in which the Marley name would likely help Nico get started, but football isn’t one of them. Marley’s storied DNA determined his 5-foot-8 stature, one reason he has been overlooked by both college and professional teams and a factor more important to coaches than ancestry.
“I don’t put anything into [his last name], I just watched him at the rookie minicamp,” coach Jay Gruden said.
The Redskins brought Marley in as one of nearly 40 tryout players at rookie minicamp, and Marley stood out. Gruden noticed “this little linebacker” who had two interceptions, recovered a fumble and made about three tackles for loss. It was enough for the Redskins to sign him.
Nora Princiotti – The Washington Times
Filed under: BREAKING NEWS, GUEST RUNDOWNS
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