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Marcellus Wiley: From Compton to Columbia University and the NFL

Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes former NFL Defensive End Marcellus Wiley, who shares his journey from Compton to Columbia University. Marcellus talks about overcoming challenges, the importance of education and family, and his foundation, Project Transition. They explore his transition to the Ivy League, his fearless nature, and his commitment to empowering youth to have strong self-identity and self-worth.

Time: 1:32

Brain Over Body
Time: 1:35

Nuclear Family
Time: 1:28

1st Time At Columbia
Time: 1:32

Characteristics

1:40 – Growing up in Compton.
4:10 – Not being a 5-star recruit and choosing a college.
8:30 – Those who influenced you?
12:05 – Your childhood family structure and support.
14:45 – Where are the kids from your neighborhood?
19:10 – How influential was your grandmother?
21:20 – Where did your confidence come from? You were the valedictorian, typewriting winner, leading you to the Ivy League.
23:00 – Discussing your arrival at Columbia.
25:30 – Your early moments at Columbia.
30:20 – Discuss the aura of the Ivy League while you played in the NFL and the impact of that.
33:00 – The degree from Columbia and the Ivy League.
38:30 – If you could gift your children characteristics? What would it be?
42:00 – Your impact on young people. I believe you are the champ!